GUARDIANS OF MAGIC: THE INVISIBLE CODED BOOK

THE DARK NUN/WALL OF DISTRACTION

“What sort of creature are you?” Fina asked

“A nun” It said

The nun moved to the painting and touched it.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” He asked without looking at them. “Lots has died trying to figure it out. A hundred years worth of secrets. It’s like opening a dark well. You don’t know what is beneath until you go deep into it. I don’t think you are looking for the book. I think you are just curious. It’s new. Exciting. Adventurous. You want to know what’s hidden underneath. Curiosity kills the cat.”

“It’s not just curiosity” Shelly Jefferson said

“It is. You are young. You don’t know what you are playing with. A fire interests a little kid until he gets burnt. He learns to stay away from it the next time he sees it. This is like a game to you three. When you find the book, what do you intend to do with it?”

They all look at each other.

“But I know you won’t stop until you find it. I have seen the enthusiasm in those eyes before. Exactly like yours. The green one.”

Fina frowned.

“How do we get out of here?” Zo asked shakily.

“You are not getting out.” The nun said, turning back to them.

“You are never going to leave. You are trapped”

The nun snapped its fingers and three deadly black snakes appeared in front of him. The snakes had tiny legs like that of a centipede.

“Attakisthemusus” Attack them!

The snakes hissed wildly and lunged at them.

Shelly Jefferson pushed Zo away and hit the snake with her wooden wand.

Fina dragged Zo behind her.

“Don’t move”

Zo nodded shakily.

“CMANTUSBLAKUSSNAKUS DUVIUS”

The portal opened and closed.

Fima eyes widened.

“Oh. Weak spells don’t work here” The nun said.

“AYUNUP ESTERIDUS MANIFSA !” Fina said

The closed walls crumbled, throwing bricks everywhere.

The snakes lunged at them again but they were already running toward a stair.

The stair have no banister and a fall could really be fatal.

Shelly and Zo were in the front, not even a glance behind them.

The snakes moved more faster and one of them wrapped itself around Fina’s leg making her fall from the stairs.

“Fin!” Zo shouted

Shelly pushed her to a corridor where they hid.

They remained still and quiet as the snakes passed them.

Zo heart jerked wildly as they heard the nun footsteps.

Shelly Jefferson swallowed painfully. Her heart pounded so hard against her ribs, she was afraid it could crack.

The nun passed them without a backward glance and then stop suddenly.

Zo and Shelly sucked in a breath as the nun turned slowly.

“CMANTUSBLAKUSSNAKUSDUVIUS!”

Fina repeated three times and the portal opened, dragging the snakes into it.

“NO!” The nun shouted and ran towards Fina.

“Go! Remember the teleportation spell!” Fina shouted

Shelly dragged Zo away.

“We can’t just leave her” Zo said

“Clark is smart. I think she’s more worried about you” Shelly said

Fina ran through corridors, opening different doors, going deeper and deeper and deeper into an unknown destination.

The nun was still chasing her. Her right ankle hurts and her shoulder blade were on fire but the adrenaline kicking in her doesn’t make her body care.

She had to get out of here.

Fina ran into a dark room, trying to open a door but it was locked.

She pushed against the door but it didn’t even bulge.

The nun footsteps were clearer now, getting more closer and closer.

When she heard the lock turning behind her, the lock she was trying to turn snapped and she pushed open the door and ran in just as the door behind her opened.

Everything switched.

She was in a dark room. So quiet that she could hear the sound of water drops and her heartbeats.

Then, she heard it.

The scream.

The exact one as her dream.

Another scream.

Silence.

Footsteps.

The footsteps was getting closer now.

Fina moved to the door and listened carefully.

Silence.

Then, the turning of a knob.

As she prepared to face whatever was behind that door that has been hunting her for years, everything shifted again.

She felt dizzy, trying to maintain her balance.

She was in the library. It was quiet. No one was there. A light flashed in front of her and she moved towards it.

The light cleared and a ‘Welcome to Elfina’ was written on the wall.

As Fina raised her hand to touch it, everything shifted again and she found herself trying to maintain her balance again.

She was still in the library. The door opened and Zo walked in.

“Fin?”

Fina smiled.

“Oh my God, Zo. I’m so happy that you are-

Something dropped on her shoulder blade and it took a while for it to settle in as she stared at the red stain on her body.

Another drop.

As she looked up, a shower of blood suddenly began to rain on her.

The next thing she knew, she was drowning.

Fina surged upward to catch a breath of air into her lungs but something pushed her back into the blood. Someone…

She willed every part of her to concentrate on the spell in her mind. Just like Mr Walker had told them.

“TELEPORTASCLASEFELISTUS”

Everything shifted but she wasn’t in teleportation class.

She was standing in the midst of a hallway.

Scream.

Fina watched as a female student ran towards her. Just as she was about to reach Fina, something raised her up.

Fina watched in horror as the biggest spider she has ever seen towered over her, spinning the student into a cocoon until no movement could be detected from the girl again.

Then, the spider turned its beady eyes at her and lunged at her.

Fina didn’t know how she got to the stairs. She just knew that her feet were moving.

She evaded silks shot at her running into corridors after corridors.

The house of snakes was like a maze and she only hoped that Shelly and Zo were back in class.

Her hair was in a wild mess as her little ponytail was almost gone now.

She raced through doors again.

“You are weak.” A female voice said behind her.

Just like the nun, she fought with a stubborn door knob until it opened and she rushed into the room.

“Fin!” Zo shouted.

Fina evaded her as she tried to embrace her.

Zo stepped away, looking hurt and disappointed.

Fina let out a deep breath when she saw Shelly Jefferson, a frown marring her face.

“You are real” Fina said in a hoarse voice.

She turned to see that the door have disappeared.

“Your head. Blood” Zo said

Fina reached up and touch her forehead. Blood was seeping down her forehead and there were lots on her hand.

“It must be from the fall. We have to go back now.”

Shelly moved closer to her.

“We have to clean you up first” She said

She removed the band holding her bad ponytail together and her hair fell in heaps at her back.

Shelly tied her hair in a twisted plait and wrapped it round her head.

Then, she removed her coat and gave it to her.

Fina winced when her hand grazed her wounded ribs.

It hurts now when everything was settling in.

Her breathing became suddenly painful and her ankle was like a torment.

“That bad?” Shelly asked

Zo was on the verge of tears.

“It’s okay, Zo” Fina said

They held hands together.

“TELEPORTASCLASEFELISTUS!”

They opened their eyes and met themselves at the back of the class where lots of students suddenly turned to look at them.

Including… Mr Walker, Mrs Young, Mrs Knight and Miss Zedler.

Bryce Parker, Ozias Black, Tyrell Swift, Kit Martinez and Xavier Starr with the girls all stared at them.

Bryce, Ozias and Kit all looked amused. Tyrell and Xavier looked worried.

“Well, where have you been for the past hour?” Mr Walker asked

Fina was leaning on Shelly Jefferson and Zora with her right leg in the air.

“I told you not to make a wrong spell. Surely you are not too dumb to cast a wrong one, are you?” Mrs Young asked with intense fury. Her English sounded extremely off.

“We are smart to not make a mistake” Shelly Jefferson said

Mrs Young fury skyrocketed.

“Then. Where were you?!” She shouted at them all.

Nancy Miller and her gang smirked at them.

Mrs Knight gasped.

“You didn’t go home, did you?” She asked

“No” Zora said softly.

Mr Walker watched them all with an expressionless look.

“Where were you, then?” He asked calmly.

“We… I…” Shelly stuttered

“Yes. Where were you? We were about to inform the Guardians about this” Mr Walker said

The girls had the grace to wince.

Mr Walker’s gaze traveled to Fina’s leg.

“Are you hurt?” He asked

“She tripped” Shelly said

“She fell” Zo said

They both said this in unison and turned to glare at each other.

Fina wanted to hit them both on the head but her ribs hurts a lot.

She felt like she has been stepped on a million times.

Fina sucked in a deep shaky breath.

“She tripped on what? She fell on what?” Mr Walker asked

They all knew he was tricking them and were smart enough not to fall for it.

“A box tripped her” Shelly Jefferson said

Mr Walker smiled.

He actually smiled.

With teeth and all.

Fina couldn’t even hide her surprise. Little did she know that, that was a smile for ‘I’ll get you’.

“It shouldn’t be that bad if a box tripped you. Put the leg down”

“No. Her ankle is bruised” Zo said softly.

“Or broken?” Mr Walker asked

Fina was definitely having a hard time figuring out who was more bitter? Ruxia or Mr Walker?

Her head felt light and dizzy.

“It’s not broken. Just bruised” Shelly said

“Step aside. Both of you” Mr Walker said

They didn’t bulge.

“Step. Aside. I won’t repeat”

“Girls, step aside. It’s an order” Mrs Knight said

Shelly and Fina glanced at each other.

Shelly stepped a little bit away from Fina.

“No. I won’t.” She said sternly.

Half of the class gasped in shock.

Mr Walker walked to them and grabbed their hands, dragging Shelly and Zo aside forcefully.

Fina counted to ten as she willed the pain away and struggled to balance on one leg.

Mr Walker suddenly bend, squatting in front of her. He reached for her leg and she hopped away from him.

“Don’t” Fina said breathlessly.

“It’s not just the leg, is it?” He asked as he rose to his full height.

“I-” Fina started

“WHERE DID YOU GO!” He shouted at them.

The whole class winced.

Mr Walker never shouts. Mr Walker never lose his cool demeanor. Mr Walker loud range is known by all.

But right now…. He looked different.

The whole class half expected Fina to burst into tears because it was her who faced his anger. His first anger.

But Fina didn’t as much flinched. Her expression were extremely masked.

“Remove the coat. Lose the braid” Mr Walker said

“You should do as you are told, dear” Mrs Knight said

Fina just stared at him, wondering why he hated her so much. Both stared at each other for a while. Fina’s face portraying hatred. Mr Walker’s portraying anger.

Finally. An emotion. Even if it’s just anger.

The whole class could feel the tension between the two.

“Remove the coat, Clark. And lose the braid” Mr Walker commanded.

Fina began to unbutton the coat but the happiness she felt wearing the clothes she had on flew away completely. Her shirt and white shorts were stained with dirt.

She took the coat off and let it dropped to the floor.

She felt the stares of those who are so trying to see her shame.

Mr Walker gaze landed on her ribs as if he could see through her shirt and he looked back to her face.

Fina reached up to untie her hair.

“Wait. Isn’t this a bit harsh?” Shelly Jefferson asked “I mean, why is it only Clark? We were there too!”

“Exactly. Where were you?” Mr Walker asked “I want the truth”

“The truth? It’s not a thing that can be told. It’s a thing that should be seen.” Zora said

Shelly draped the coat round Fina’s arm.

“I see. Show me then” Mr Walker said, his gaze on Fina’s.

Fina recounted all the alphabets in different forms. She felt weird.

“I really think you should let.. Um.. Clark see Miss Anne first. Her leg should be treated first”

Every gaze landed on the mighty and handsome Bryce Parker.

“Yeah. She should get treated first” Tyrell said

Mr Walker turned to Fina and gave her a very chilling smile.

“You are all suspended from class for three days. And.. this is not over” He said and walked away.

“Class. Dismissed” Mrs Young said

The whole class starts to dissipate.

Tyrell and Xavier walked over to them while Bryce, Ozias and Kit with the girls followed Mr Walker.

“Let me see” Tyrell said

He squatted in front of Fina and inspected her leg.

“Hop on” He said as he turned his back to her.

“It’s ok-” Fina said

Shelly practically pushed her on Tyrell’s back.

Xavier patted her on the back and gave her a weak smile.

Now, the whole school knows the tension between her and Mr Walker.

********

“That should lower the swelling and bring it back to shape in the next few hours. Magic potions” Miss Anne said

Miss Anne have pink hair and dark brown eyes. She looked old and young at the same time. Like her skin is shading every seconds.

Fina closed her eyes as she laid down on the small bed.

“Thank you.”

“Anything else, sweetheart?”

Fina looked at her and she definitely looked old now. The next second, she looked even younger than her. She was tempted to talk but didn’t.

“Is there any potion I can take? I don’t want to miss any class after three days suspension is over.”

Miss Anne looked at her creepily for a while.

“Yes. It will heal you completely but-

“But?” Fina asked

“It causes illusions. In some people. Not all. You might escape it”

“I’ll take it”

Miss Anne went into the potion room and came back after a while.

She was holding a blue vial in hand.

“Here. It will make you sleep. No one will bother you. I don’t let people come here without my permission”

“Please tell Zo not to worry about me” Fina said

“Two drops” Miss Anne said

Fina tipped back her head and drank the blue liquid in two drops.

“Sleep. You will feel better in the morning” Miss Anne said

She left after a while and Fina finally took the chance to check her environment.

The room was small and dimly lit. The light coming from the glass walls.

A floor to ceiling window. A chandelier. There was a door connecting the room to the potion room.

The room looked simple yet creepy.

Fina took a deep breath, her ribs no longer hurting, the drug were finally settling in.

She felt dizzy and weak. As uncomfortable as she felt in the room, she couldn’t escape the darkness that finally swept over her the moment she closed her lids.

Fina pulled in and out of consciousness a lot of times until she felt someone in the room.

She turned her head to see someone leaning on the wall, hands clasped together. Watching her.

“Good. You are awake”

Mr Walker.

“How’s your leg? Or, should I say, how’s your body? Two broken healed ribs, healed ankle and head. Shall I continue the lists?”

Fina didn’t bother to answer.

“Fina Clark. Where did you go?”

“Why are you curious? You don’t seem like someone who cares”

“What I think about is certainly none of your business”

“Well, I do wonder why you hate me so much”

“And, I think I’ve made it clear I don’t like lateness in my class” Mr Walker said “Aren’t you going to tell me about it?”

Fina closed her eyes, suddenly feeling sleepy again.

“I - have nothing to tell you”

“I have a feeling you will still come to talk to me”

She heard Mr Walker from a long distance as she drifted off to sleep again.

Something was pressing in on her, pulling her down. She couldn’t feel any part of her. It’s like her limbs aren’t even there anymore. Fina opened her eyes but couldn’t move.

Every part of her was immobile. Her breathing became irregular, her nerves sending a trapped transmission to her brain. But yet, she couldn’t move.

Then, she heard it. Footsteps coming towards her bed. A light brush on her forehead.

Fina struggled to move her eyes but couldn’t.

The person traced her ear to her neck with his or her fingers.

“I’ll get you, Fina Clark. And when I do, you won’t live to tell the tale”

********

Sun rays streamed through the window of the room, making everything bright.

“Wake up, teddy bear”

Zo voice.

Fina opened her eyes slowly to the sight of Zo cleaning her big glasses with a blue handkerhief.

“How do you feel?”

“Surprisingly better” Fina replied, sitting up.

“Tyrell was here a while ago. Brought you cookies. And Xavier was here before him. Brought you strawberry milkshake. I think Tyrell likes you”

“And you like Xavier” Fina said

Zo turned crimson.

“Can we stop talking about boys? Distractions.”

Fina wiggled her brows at her.

“Fina Clark. How are you feeling?” Anne asked, walking into the small room.

“I’m feeling great” Fina replied

Anne studied her for a while.

“No illusions?” She asked

Fina shook her head.

Anne checked on her while Zo kept adjusting her glasses.

“You are free to go. Come back if you are having any effects.”

Fina nodded, getting out of bed.

Zo grabbed her cookies and milkshake for her.

“Have you seen Shel?” Fina asked

“Nope” Zo said after they are out of the room.

“Oh”

They met Talon and Shelly on the way.

“How is my princess doing?” Talon cried, walking over to give her a hug.

After wiping imaginary tears from his cheek, he beamed at Fina.

“Fina”

They all turned to see Serene Berry behind them.

“Hey” Fina said with a weak smile.

“You are alright.” Serene said

Fina looked perplexed.

“Yes, I am” Fina said

Serene gave a laugh which sound hysterical to Fina’s ears.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just surprised and happy that you are okay. I had a friend in school who had a sprained ankle. He didn’t quite recover from it for three weeks”

“Oh.” Fina said

Shelly Jefferson glanced from Serene to Talon and narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

“I’ll get going then” Serene said and walked away.

“She didn’t take her little mini me” Shelly said “And what’s with the friends tale every time?”

Fina looked at Talon who just shrugged.

“Out with it” Fina said

“Geez, I swear you three together are worse than Zedler” Talon said

“We didn’t break up. We are just taking a break” Talon said

Fina and Zo glanced at each other while Zo looked at Talon with a bemused face.

“You are really something, you know that?” Shelly said “Let’s go”

“I really missed you three.” Talon said as they began to walk.

“What sort of break are you in?” Fina asked

“Just break. I don’t know.” Talon replied

“You do really like like her” Shelly said

“I do. I have her birthday even memorised on my head. I don’t want to forget. July 12th”

Fina, Zora and Shelly screeched to a halt.

“I was wondering if I should give her something since it’s been missed” Talon said “But- what are you three doing over there?”

“Nothing. So-um, July 12th. You know that’s a very special date” Fina said

“Yes, I know. I really like Serene Berry”

“But? There’s a but hanging there. But?” Shelly asked repeatedly.

“I’m having weird vibes” Talon said

“Like?” Zo asked

Talon looked up and stared at nothing for a while.

“Ghost vibes” He replied

Shelly and Zo burst out laughing.

“Oh, Talon Smith is dating a ghost. How lovely.” Shelly said “Seriously, I think you really need a break. I wouldn’t date you if you are spewing off nonsense like that. Not that I would ever”

Talon rolled his eyes.

“Please, do you see this body?” He asked

Shelly choked on her tongue.

“You looked like my little brother of ten” Shelly said

“Oh, that’s the elevator. Don’t you have class, Talon?” Fina asked

“Oh my God. I definitely have Mr Walker’s class” Talon said and practically flew to the lift.

“You have a brother?” Fina asked when they got in front of the lift.

“No, I dont. I’m an only child” Shelly replied with a smile.

Zo rolled her eyes.

“You are ridiculous” She said

*******

“I think it’s just the fact that we came late to his class the first time! I don’t think he ever forgave us for that!” Zo said

“That, I guess!” Fina shouted from the closet.

Zo switched channels on the Tv.

“Hey Fin!”

“Yeah?” Fina asked, plopping on the other side of the peach sofa in a flared sleeveless knee length gown.

“Why don’t we tell Tyrell about this? He seems to know about things a lot. Didn’t he say his father is a philosopher?” Zo asked

“Yes” Fina replied

“Maybe we should tell him everything. He will know what to do with it.”

“Everything’s just weird. The puzzles don’t fit. At all. What’s Serene Berry connection with this? Did she kill her?” Fina asked

“Ghost vibes” Zo said

“Scary right? It’s so confusing” Fina said “I’ll speak to Tyrell. You want to come?”

Zo shook her head.

“I’m enjoying Mr Walker’s suspension. At least I don’t have to see Nancy Miller’s ugly face today”

“I’ll be right back” Fina said

*******

Fina got out of the castle few minutes later, heading towards the Cafeteria.

As she got out of the deep foggy forest, she spotted the boys at once.

Suddenly, she felt self conscious.

Fina watched as Jessica gave Ozias Black a kiss on the cheek and beamed at him.

Bridget Faye was talking to Bryce Parker. Xavier was reading his book. Kit and Tyrell were conversing with Coco and Kathleen.

Fina reached for a band to put her hair in a ponytail but forget she didn’t bring one. Her hair covered half of her body making her look so small.

At least it’s not a frizzy curl- she thought to herself, still feeling weird.

She suddenly looked down at her feet and shut her eyes closed.

She was wearing flip-flops.

Fina turned back to the trees hoping no one will notice her.

“Clark! I thought that was you!” Jessica Young.

Fina turned back to them, pulling back her long, heavy brown hair back.

“Ah, yes. That was me” She said

“Oh” Jessica said “You are okay”

Everyone’s attention was on her now, even Xavier.

“Yes, I am” Fina said awkwardly.

Coco Bell have that amused look on her face right now.

Fina forced herself to look away.

Ghostly vibes.

Talon is really getting to her.

Fina plastered a smile on her face and looked at Tyrell.

“Can I talk to you? It’s important” She said

“We have class” Kathleen said

“How important?” Tyrell asked

“Oh, forget that. I’ll just -” Fina said, walking backwards.

“I’ll see you at the library in ten” Tyrell said

All eyes turned to him. All eyes.

“We have class, Tyrell. It’s very important. Is it boys problem?” Bridget Faye asked

If the floor could swallow her now.

“I think there are lots of things that are more important than boys. Distractions” Fina said

Ozias cleared his throat, choking on a laugh. He held it for five seconds before giving in, erupting in deep laughter.

Jessica glared at him and stomped away.

“Okay. See you in eight” She said and walked away.

*******

“It’s good seeing you are doing well.” Tyrell said

They were sitting at his spot by the open window.

Fina looked out the window, gathering her thoughts.

“Does what you are about to say bothers you?” Tyrell asked “You know you can tell me anything”

Fina looked back at him and smiled.

She tucked her hair behind her ear.

His eyes followed every movement, not missing a single thing.

“What?” Fina asked

“You are pretty” Tyrell replied

Fina looked away.

“Thanks? You don’t happen to have a band, do you?”

Tyrell brought out his wand and created one with it.

A pink and purple band with shimmering colorful butterflies on it.

“Oh. Sometimes I forget that I’m in a magical school” Fina said “Thanks”

She took the band floating in the air and rushed to put her hair in a messy ponytail.

Tyrell watched her the whole time.

“It takes a while to get used to it. Especially for some who do not even think about it. It comes as a surprise to some”

“What about you?”

“No. It’s a part of me. I breathe magic.”

Fina blinked thrice.

“Oh”

“You keep saying that a lot” Tyrell said

“Oh”

Tyrell smiled at her.

Fina swallowed hard.

And, told him everything.

Tyrell didn’t interrupt. He listened patiently until she stopped talking, a frown marring his face.

“It must have been hard for you. You haven’t been in Elfina for a month. You said the snake name was Ruxia?”

Fina nodded.

“I’m proud you could send it away. This dreams… when did they start?”

“Since I was a kid. I can’t remember. It changes sometimes.”

“I can make it stop”

Fina eyes widened.

“You can?”

“There’s a spell called Sentimincus”

Fina frowned.

“Isn’t that like a dark spell?”

“Because it sounds dark. Sentimincus is not a dark spell. Well, it certainly wasn’t until it got tainted. The spell has been passed down for generations and each generations adds new things to it. Sentimincus have great effect on dreams. It helps in stopping bad dreams”

“Oh” Fina said

“I want you to listen to me carefully, Fina. You have to stop listening to the ghost. There are dark spirits too. And, they sometimes tend to take the skin of a pure ghost”

“Can ghosts takes human forms too?”

Tyrell studied her for a long time as if debating what to tell her and what not to.

“Yes. Some takes human form. Why? Do you know any?”

Fina shook her head.

“No. Just wondering”

“You should probably just ignore the ghost. The invisible coded book”

The air between them grew tense at the last words.

“Leave everything to me. I’ll take care of it. Learn and enjoy your time in Elfina, Fina. Drop everything. Some things can never be recovered”

“You are right. I’ve been nosy lately”

Tyrell smiled.

“I think it’s just curiosity”

Her eyes find his sharply.

“What?” Tyrell asked

“Nothing. Curiosity? Right.” Fina said

“Let it go” Tyrell coaxed

“I will”

“I really don’t want you to get hurt. I care about you”

Fina looked down at her fingers wondering how to respond to that.

“The spell is DEDOCIASENTIMINCUS”

“DEDOCIASENTIMINCUS” Fina repeated. “It sounds like a dark spell, Tyrell”

“I’m certain Mr Walker have told you how spells gets tainted every time. It’s what you believe in that is important. I believe in Sentimincus. It’s a great spell. It has lots of uses. Fin?”

“Yes?”

“Who else knows about this?” Tyrell asked softly.

“No one”

“I don’t think anyone should know about this. It might endanger you. Elfina is a strange school, isn’t it? But it’s our strange school”

Fina smiled weakly.

“Yes. Yes, it is”

“Not even Mr Walker. I like Mr Walker but he is really something. I’m certain he doesn’t hate you. Mr Walker is really protective of his students”

“Yeah”

“I’ll protect you”

That got her attention and she looked up at his eyes.

They looked scared and worried.

“It’s okay. I… I’ll stop.”

“About the diary? Return it back to its place in the library. And stay away from the ghost”

“The ghost doesn’t look scary”

“Looks can be deceiving” Tyrell said “Or you can give the diary to me. I’ll have Kit study it. I won’t give anything away”

“Oh. I’ll return it. I don’t want to bother you”

Tyrell reached over, tucking a stray strand behind her ear.

“You are never a bother to me” He said, looking directly into her eyes.

“Tell me if anything bothers you. If I can’t do it alone, my friends will help. I trust them a pure hundred percent”

Fina nodded and rose suddenly, feeling weird.

She glanced around and every eyes were turned at their table.

Widened surprised eyes. Curious eyes.

“Thanks for hearing me out. I’ll take my leave”

Tyrell smiled at her.

“Anytime” He said

Fina felt flustered until she walked out of the castle, cool air hitting her face.

She didn’t know if she felt better talking to Tyrell or not. The feelings are all just mixed up.

“Hi”

Fina looked up to see Serene Berry in front of her.

Serene golden hair, eyes and body makes her look flawless.

“Hi” Fina said

“Did Talon said anything about us?”

“Oh. I… don’t know but you seem off this morning”

“Yeah. We are taking a break” Serene said

Fina gaze fell on her golden bracelet.

“See you later” Fina said and began to walk towards their house castle.

“Fina” Serene called.

Fina turned back to look at her.

“Don’t give up” Serene said and walked away.

Fina stood, looking confused as ever.

*******

“Oh. I wasn’t expecting him to say that. I was hoping for a ‘I’ll help you find the book thing’” Zo said, unwrapping a bubble gum and tossing it into her mouth.

Fina sat on the arm of the couch.

“I’m confused. He sounds off.”

“I think you are having mixed feelings. He must have left your heart fluttering when he touched your hair”

Fina blushed.

“Ha! You do like Tyrell Swift!”

Fina covered her face in embarrassment.

“You are hopeless. I should let Jefferson get at you more. You deserve it”

Zo rolled her eyes.

“Fin”

Fina looked at her.

“Are we going to stop?”

Fina heart began to pound.

“I- don’t know. I feel - confused. It’s almost as if I am scared. Like something bad is going to happen if we stop”

“I was wondering if we should call Jefferson” Zo said

“Oh. The phone.”

They both turned to the Tv.

“I know how to do it now. Call Jefferson. Aries territory” Zo said

The Tv visual changed to Aries territory and began a search.

It stopped at J and began to ring.

A green haired girl with green eyes appeared.

“Who are you?” She asked

“Um… We want-” Zo began

“Amy, I thought I saw Bryce Parker right now.”

Amy eyes widened.

“Oh my God. I’ll be back!” Amy said and flew away.

Shelly sat down.

“I really should thank Walker for bestowing us this vacation. No more scary classes” Shelly said

She was dressed in a blue Cardigan and red shorts.

“You talked to Swift yet?” Shelly asked

“Yes. He wants us to stop” Fina replied

Shelly face dropped.

“Oh. I wasn’t expecting him to say that. I thought he’ll be interested in helping us find the book” Shelly said

“I think he’s trying to protect us” Zo said

“Yes. He said he’ll ask Kit if he can help with the diary but I didn’t give it to him” Fina said

“Ok” Shelly said

“I saw Serene” Fina said

“The ghost? Geez, Talon Smith is really getting to me” Shelly said

“She said not to give up” Fina said

Shelly frowned.

“I- don’t you think it’s weird? Her birthday date is on the paintings. Why is her birthday date on the paintings? And she said not to give up? Serene Berry needs to be arrested” Shelly said

“Maybe it’s just a coincidence. Maybe We are mixing everything up” Zo said

“I would have agreed but her golden bracelet” Fina said

“What about it?” Shelly asked

“Dark energy” Fina said and shivered. “I’ve never experienced one before but it’s there. My palms are so sweaty”

“Who are the suspects? You know… The ‘They’... We have to know who we are dealing with” Shelly said

“I don’t know, Shel. Things are getting more creepy. I think we should stop. Fin?” Zo said

“I don’t know. Do you want to stop?”

“No” Zo said after a while.

“Shel. When did everyone sleeps in your territory?” Fina asked

Shelly beamed at her.

“Except for the bookworms, twelve. Midnight.” Shelly replied

“We’ll meet at the foyer” Fina said

I’m sorry, Tyrell. But I can’t stop.

Midnight. 12 A.M

“I got some rings for you.” Shelly said “All it took was say Bryce wanted to see their rings. I’m finding Elfina girls stupid. Am I the only one?” Shelly asked

They lifted their rings and the scanning turned green.

“We are really doing this?” Zo asked

“Yes.” Fina replied

“What if we get caught?” Zo asked

“Then we get expelled” Shelly said

Zo blanched and Fina glared at Shelly.

“Just kidding” Shelly said and pressed the Aries floor button.

They were out in a few seconds.

The hallway was creepily silent and unlike the Capricorn territory that was bright and peachy, Aries was so much on the dark side.

The whole glass wall was painted in deep purple and dark paintings lined the walls.

Zo shivered.

“Scary” She said

“I call it the House of Winners” Shelly said

“More like house of the dead” Fina whispered.

“You have a problem with my house, Clark?” Shelly teased

They were moving quietly through the dark hallway.

“Where do we search first?” Zo asked

“Are there any stairs?” Fina asked

“Yes. Why?” Shelly replied

“Stairs lead to places” Fina replied

They stopped in front of a dusty spiral staircase.

“No one likes to use the stairs when there’s an elevator” Shelly explained.

“If we step on it, it’ll move” Fina said “Can it take us anywhere?”

The stairs rose suddenly as if by command.

“I don’t know. Shouldn’t we say a spell or anything?” Zo asked

Fina stepped on a step and it moved.

“Step on” She said

Zo and Shelly glanced at each other before stepping on.

At the seventh step, their environment changed and the girls held onto each other as they swayed unsteadily.

“Where are we?” Shelly asked, taking in her surroundings.

The whole place oozes darkness and was eerily silent. It was like a house with lots of dark strange doors.

“Aries territory” Fina replied as she glanced at the dark purple walls.

Laughter.

Voices.

A ‘shush’ sound

Faucet running.

“Where’s the ring?” Fina asked

Shelly handed the ring to her.

“What are we looking for?” She asked

“Elevator” Fina replied

Shelly glanced around.

“There’s no elevator here, Fin. I don’t think anyone has been here for years”

“I am highly certain we are looking for an elevator, Shel. My brain can’t seem to turn the thoughts off” Fina said “I think the stairs heard me. I did ask if it can take us anywhere and it took us here. Although I don’t know why, but there must be a reason. We search for an elevator first.”

Voices.

Laughter.

Screams. Laughter.

They couldn’t even describe the place anymore than that as they took in their surroundings again. It looked like a big house with different doors.

The place they stood in looked like a living room. A vacant living room. A vacant house.

“If this is Aries territory, what part of Aries territory is this?” Shelly asked

“It looked like an house. Like someone lived here before” Fina said “I think the stairs do whatever they are commanded. Like- saying the right spell when going to classes. Tossing you out when you say the wrong one”

“I understand. The stairs doesn’t just work with spells. They have different routes. I don’t think most people knows this. It’s like a secret. It’s like - everywhere in Elfina isn’t what it seems. The castle isn’t what it looked like. The castle runs deep” Zo said

“More like we are seeing the part Elfina wants everyone to see. Elfina has invisible rooms. Invisible places” Fina said

“I wonder where every steps in Elfina leads to” Shelly said

They all were deep in thought.

And Elfina has so many stairs- Fina thought.

“What exactly are those voices?” Zo asked

“Ghosts” Fina said “Tyrell said there are dark ghosts too so we have to be careful. Let’s look around”

“Okay” Shelly said

They all went different ways.

Voices.

Laughter.

The house was covered with webs. Spiders roamed around, minding their business.

Fina opened a door, entering into a bedroom.

The house wasn’t vacant after all- Fina thought

She walked around the room.

There was a small bed, a small drawer, and a- painting on the wall.

Fina moved closer to the painting and looked at it.

It was the same painting with the same date.

July 12th 2018.

She touched the painting and turned but not before glancing at the words underneath.

“The journey ends here” Fina read aloud.

She moved to the drawer and tried to open it but it was locked.

“Move out of the way” Shelly said behind her.

Shelly tried a pin to unlock it but it didn’t work.

“Wait. It had a number lock” Fina said

“July 12th 2018” Zo said

Shelly turned the lock but it didn’t open.

They tried different codes but failed.

Voices.

Laughter.

Voices.

“I wonder where it’s coming from” Shelly said

“Don’t say that. I’m already scared enough” Zo said shakily.

“Let’s keep searching” Shelly said, standing up.

Fina kept turning the lock until it snapped suddenly.

The lock unlocked.

“How did you do that?” Shelly asked

“12th July 2018” Fina replied

She opened the drawer carefully. “A rearrangement”

“What’s that?” Zo asked

“A key” Fina replied

She took the dark key and turned it around her fingers.

The key looked worn and had millipede syymbol attached to it.

“To what?” Shelly asked

Fina shrugged.

“Guess we will have to find out ourselves” Fina replied

They moved out of the room, taking the key with them.

“We’ve checked everywhere. There’s no elevator” Shelly said

Voices.

Screams. More screams. More screams.

The girls glanced at each other in fear.

The scream sound so scared and terrified.

More piercing screams.

Fina, Shelly and Zo rushed to the screaming sound and came abrupt in what they assumed must be the kitchen.

A dark male ghost was stabbing a picture furiously.

There were three normal ghosts in the kitchen looking extremely terrified.

The male ghost kept stabbing at the picture.

Fina didn’t even know when she pushed him away but the shock of her being able to touch a ghost made her freeze and she stared at her hands.

The dark ghost was shocked too.

“Oh my God” Shelly said as she stood frozen at the door with a scared Zo beside her.

Fina turned to the torn picture and picked it up.

It was a picture of a girl.

She could only make out the white hair.

The dark ghost was still in shock when she turned back to him.

“It’s the picture of the ghost.” Fina said to Shelly.

The dark ghost looked so terrified suddenly.

“Why are you stabbing her picture?” Fina asked, turning to the ghost.

The ghost shook his head.

“Why?” Fina asked again.

“They said to kill her. They said to kill her again. They said to turn her. Turn her like they turned me”

“Who are they?” Shelly asked

“They are the-the-”

The dark ghost began to shake and then, its head popped off as if there’s pressure underneath it. Blue blood seeped out of it. The ghosts screamed including Zo.

Fina shut her eyes and opened them again.

“We don’t know anything. I swear.”

“How old are you?” Fina asked

The ghosts glanced at each other.

“Twenty one. We are seniors. Third level”

“What happened to you?” Shelly asked

“I’m scared, Fina. I can’t see them” Zo said

One of the ghosts looked at Zo.

“It’s not your time to see” She said

They all looked almost the same with different hairs. They had blue, wine and white hair.

“What does that mean?” Shelly asked

“Third level? And dead? What is this place? Who killed you?” Fina asked

They all glanced at one another.

“You don’t know this place? It’s Aries territory. We are not from Aries. We are Virgos. We don’t know anything. We just woke up dead.” The white head said.

Zo went to stand behind Fina.

“How long have you been dead?” Shelly asked

“Three months and two days” The blue head said

Fina and Shelly glanced at each other.

“We couldn’t leave. Some ghosts becomes trapped somehow. It’s a mystery. And we don’t know anything about our death. We do wander at night when everyone is asleep though” The one with wine head said “I’m Ashley”

“Bree” The white head said

“Tina” The blue head said

“Most students put protection spells in their room so we can’t go in to investigate anything.” Ashley said

Fina held Zo’s hand.

“Why are you in Aries territory?” Fina asked

“This used to be where some of the Aries have special trainings. We have never been here before. Just out of curiosity. Until we met him” Bree said, pointing to the dark ghost who was fading every minute.

“He’s dead forever. Anyway” Bree said, looking at Fina.

“We were playing together and he appeared.”

Fina picked up the torn picture.

“Do you have any idea who she might be?” She asked

“I’m certain she’s from Aries. But I can’t really tell who she might be. We, third level seniors spends more time on the field.” Tina said

Fina and Shelly looked at each other and nodded.

“Tell your friend it’s okay not to see deeply sometimes. Not everything is beautiful to look at” Ashley said

“You have to be careful, okay?” Tina said

Fina nodded and they all left the ghosts.

“Well, that was something” Shelly said

“I can hear and feel them but I can’t see them. Is there something wrong with me?” Zo asked

Fina shook her head.

“You are okay” Fina replied

They roamed the whole place but came up with nothing.

“Maybe we are viewing it wrong” Fina said “We have a key and a ring.

Shel. Which would you use first?”

Shelly bit her lower lip in thought.

“The key first, then an elevator to bring me back up” Shelly replied

“Up, as in underground.” Zo said

Shelly winked at Zo.

“Brilliant, Einstein”

“A door. An elevator” Fina said

“We have different types. The one for walls. Well, that’s the only one I know” Shelly said

“Let’s search again” Fina said

They roamed through the house the third time.

Fina moved back to the room with the painting and searched every part of the place.

She stopped at the foot of the small bed and inspected the bed.

The bed wasn’t well laid and a dusty red pillow was resting on it.

She walked to the side of the bed and picked up the pillow and something fell from it.

Fina bend to pick up whatever it was. It had looked like a small pin.

She used her right hand to search under the bed, feeling for anything with a sharp edge but her hand felt something else.

It took her a while to realize that she was touching a door handle.

The excitement that bubbled through her was immeasurable.

“Shel! Zo!”

The girls hurried over at once.

“I found something” Fina said excitedly. “Let’s try to push the bed”

She rose to her feet and they all pushed the small but heavy bed away to a side. It creaked as they moved it.

There, in the midst lies a door.

“I’ve read about doors like this before” Zo said “It’s a-”

“Trapdoor” Fina finished.

“Yes. Open it” Zo said

Fina got on her knees and inserted the key into the lock. It snapped and a turning sound like wheels was made underneath. And then… silence.

“I’m stronger” Shelly said suddenly.

Fina moved aside for her.

Shelly pulled down the handle and opened the door, pulling it aside.

Silence greeted them all.

“Well, you are the leader” Shelly said

“No, I’m not” Fina said

“We follow you and one of us has to be. Count me out. I’m good at fighting but not that good as you two on the other side” Shelly said

Zo smirked.

“Stop gloating, Einstein. You are a wimp” Shelly said

Fina took a deep breath.

She felt the open space with her hand but only met air.

“Guess we are jumping” She said

Zo eyes widened in horror.

“Good luck making it alive, Einstein”

“Shut up, Red” Zo said

Shelly glared at her hard.

Fina ignored them both and sat at the edge.

The door was the same length as the bed. Medium.

Her feet dangled mid air and counting to three, she jumped.

She kept falling and falling until her feet finally hit the floor. Fina wobbled before righting herself.

“Jump. Don’t worry, Zo. I’ll catch you”

Zo followed with a piercing scream but Fina caught her before she could land on her face. They both tilted but righted themselves.

Shelly Jefferson hit the ground perfectly.

“What. Exactly. Is. This. Place?” Shelly asked

The room was extremely wide and filled with tall standing, glass mirrors.

The room was well lit, the source of light unknown.

The ceilings were also glass mirrors.

They hadn’t landed on their feet, they had landed on glass.

Everywhere was filled with glass mirrors.

Fina had been too busy trying to catch Zo to notice her surroundings.

They heard the sound of something shutting upwards.

“Well, that was our escape door although we don’t have any idea how to get up anyway” Shelly said

Their reflections reflected everywhere.

It was like every move are being observed as they moved around, stepping from the standing mirrors.

“Is this like a puzzle or something?” Shelly asked

“Yes. The mirror represents something we do not have any knowledge of” Zo replied

Fina moved closer to the mirrored walls and pressed her right palm on it.

“What about the wall?” Fina asked

“What of it?” Shelly asked, touching a mirror.

“What if the mirrors are just for show?” Fina asked “What-

The glass gave way to her palm and she fell into the wall.

Fina hurried to her feet at once. But the tricky part was that she was still in the same place except… no sign of her friends.

“Shel. Zo!”

Silence.

Fina whirled round, trying to figure out what was going on.

She ran her hands through the walls until it gave way and she fell into another room.

Only that, each succeeding room keeps getting colder….

She fell into walls by walls multiple times until she gave up and sat down.

It was like she was still in the same spot inspite of how far she thought she had gone.

She crossed and uncrossed her legs, her back resting on the wall.

Fina inspected the whole room carefully knowing she was missing something important.

The mirrors stood magnificently, giving the room a weird look. It was tall and rimmed with gold. Her reflections reflected back at her everywhere she looked.

Every movements was observed. It was like an eye and she could feel its intense gaze.

She looked at the mirrors, they looked back at her.

She looked again, her reflections reflected again.

Again

Again.

Again.

The more she looked in frustration, the more angrier she got.

Then, something struck her.

Fina rose up at once and began to turn the mirrors to the wall.

She did this for all the mirrors in the room.

When she turned to the last mirror, nothing happened and she stood in front of it with a deep frown on her face.

She had done all she could but something’s still missing.

All mirrors are facing the wall but one.

She was standing in front of it.

Fina quickly moved away but nothing happened still and she got even more annoyed.

All mirrors were turned but her reflection could still be seen in some.

Fina moved to the midst of the mirrors, the space created when she turned them all.

She counted to three until..

All the mirrors became heated, the heat baring a strong red color.

Then, every mirror in the room broke.

Including the walls.

They all shattered and fell, revealing another room.

A dark purple one.

The purple room was extremely big with dark curtains.

The room was unexpectedly cool and hot at the same time.

“LIGHTUSPOCULUS”

The whole room lit up at once.

It looked more like a laboratory than a living space.

Different lab apparatus lay on the huge table. Some were broken as if they were smashed on purpose.

The floor was smeared with different colors.

There were broken glasses on the floor.

Lots of them. As if a fight had broken out here.

She watched out for the shards of glasses and looked around.

Potion books lay on the table.

She ran to the back of the table to hide when she heard a sound.

“Fin? Fin?”

Shelly Jefferson’s voice.

“Over here” Fina said

She began to rise when something caught her eye.

Blood.

Smeared all over the side of the table.

“Oh my God. Tell me that’s not yours” Shelly asked in horror.

“Not mine.” Fina replied.

“It hasn’t been long. Not old either or new” Zo said as she inspected the blood.

Fina got to her feet.

“Those walls are a distraction. I almost lost my mentality” Shelly said “I’m not angry anymore”

“You are still angry” Zo pointed out.

“A lab. Wow.” Shelly said

“Look around. If you see anything else. Except for the fact that a fight might have broken out here” Fina said

“Two fights. The fountain of blood” Zo said

They began to search the lab.

“There’s something here” Zo called out.

Shelly and Fina moved to her side.

Zora was holding a blue liquid vial in her hand.

“What is that?” Shelly asked

“Could be poison or a cure” Zo replied

“What made you so certain that that it’s not just a potion?” Shelly asked

“Because it looked like a plant extract” Fina replied

Zora put the vial down.

“We can test this during potion class” Fina said

“Good idea” Shelly said

Zo picked up the vial and put it in her pocket.

Fina inspected the examination table closely.

“Why are there so many varieties of knife?” Fina asked “And herbs? Different plants.”

“I don’t think it was an experiment that was done here. You know medical experiments. More like magical experiments. Potions. Poisons” Shelly said

“Dark magic.” Fina filled in.

Shelly looked up from the blade she was inspecting.

“Right” She said “I think this person-”

“UP. Unknown person” Zo said as she put down a broken hour glass.

“I think this UP likes knife. Sharp ones” Shelly said as she examined the tip of the blade.

“The cobwebs shows that no one has been here for a while” Fina said

“This is the place they use for experiments. Whatever experiments that might be. Probably bad ones. Harmful ones” Zo said

“Except for the vial and that there was a fight here, we’ve got nothing else. Nothing about the ghost” Fina said

“And the fact that there’s no way out. Don’t forget that” Shelly said

Fina observed the room again. Not wanting to miss a thing.

She moved to the dark walls and had the urge to write something on the wall. Then, she began to write on it with her emergency pen.

“What are you doing?” Shelly asked

“Don’t you think it’s weird? The walls doesn’t reveal any writings. Like not even a sign? It’s blank. Like an invisible ink” Fina said

Shelly and Zo was standing beside her now.

Zo brought out different colours of pen from her pocket.

“I’m not even going to ask” Shelly said with a cocked eyebrow.

Zo scribbled something on the dark wall.

“Wow. Like its invisible.” She said

Fina wrote Invisibility on the wall and the wall shifted.

The girls entered another place without a single thought.

The walls suddenly shut behind them.

“I do wonder how we are going to get back again. Does this look like we are still in Elfina to you?” Shelly asked

They were outside and it was still late. The night looked young with the big bright moon illuminating everywhere.

A fog suddenly descended upon them.

Hawks could be heard everywhere and the place was so silent they could hear their own breathing.

“Remember the simile. As silent as a graveyard” Shelly said to creep out Zora.

“Shelly. You are warned” Zo tried to appear stern but her voice wavered.

Tall trees could be seen around them.

“I feel like we are in the forest. The one with fogs and talking trees” Fina said with a frown. “We are still in Elfina”

“Of course you are in Elfina”

“I definitely hope that’s not a tree” Shelly said

“Pftt. Idiots”

They moved closer to see the tree talking to them. It was amongst the tall trees. It had a carved eyes, nose and mouth with a wooden tongue.

All of them. And they are all staring at them with wide eyes.

“This is creepy” Zo said shakily.

“Explain creepy’’ Shelly said

“We are close to the Cafeteria, aren’t we?” Fina asked.

“That means we are out of the castle” Zo said

“Of course not. So, what are you little midgets doing out this late at night?” Another ugly tree asked

“Midgets?” They all asked with raised voices.

The trees burst out into laughter.

“Well, aren’t you? Straining your necks to look up and all? You looked so tiny I can barely see your feets”

“Do trees die?” Shelly asked Fina sharply.

Fina mouth curved in a sad smile.

“Apparently they do. With fire and a treedozer” She replied.

“It’s really fascinating. Trees talking. Talking trees” Zo said, not scared anymore.

The fogs passed and came, repeating a weird cycle.

“Can you help us? We are looking for something” Fina asked

“If you want answers, ask him. Maybe he will shut up for once and stop crying. Liked one of the students. Have you ever seen a tree fell in love with a human? He hasn’t fall out of love for the past three months. Humans. Disgusting”

“He cries a lot so we called him the tree of tears. Silent to humans in the day, weepy at night.” Another tree said

“Follow the cries”

They suddenly heard a faint cry.

“You said three months. Who is its lover?” Fina asked

“A student from Elfina. Loved her very much. Gave her roses secretly whenever she passed. Magical roses. Then, she stopped coming suddenly. He was devastated. Every time he becomes sad, it became foggy. Never forgot her”

“She was pretty. If I was a woman, I’d definitely asked her out”

“Glad you are not a human then. You are damn too ugly it’s not fair to look at you”

“Said the one with the smelly flowers. You need a bath you know?”

Fina shook her head in disbelief at the trees.

“We all are smelly. Pooping with no water to flush”

“I think they are talking about rain” Shelly whispered

“If it becomes foggy because he’s sad, then, there’s not a single time he’s happy?” Fina asked

“Yes. Five seconds. A damn record. Then, he turned weepy again. Ask him if he’ll talk to ya”

“Oh. Remember the time when she kissed someone in front of us? He shed lots of roses. Called it depression. Shedding your happy and lovely parts. Not wanting to talk to a soul.”

“Yes. She had a boyfriend. Never remember his face though. The ugly ones faces are always easy to forgat”

“Like your face?”

“Shut up, chop stick. Care to put some weight in ya?. No muscles. Too thin”

Zo chuckled.

“Did you hear anything about her death?” Fina asked

“Yes. Said she fought invisible demons twice.”

“Invisible demons” Fina said

“Yes. Her body in blood. Twice. In blood. Heard it. She was mad. Shame. She was really pretty”

“Couldn’t talk for a while. Mentality failed. A broken princess. Then, she died. Did a spell on herself. Died”

“Lies! Half lies!”

“So, he finally decided to talk”

“You all half liars. I can hear ya. Spilling half lies about my princess”

“I swear this is weird. Weirder than Miss Zedler’s cat” Zo said softly.

Fina walked to the tree of tears who has resumed his crying again.

“Which part is a lie?” She asked

“Her death. She looked so sad when she said she doesn’t want to do it anymore. She never got out of it. You go to hell with the devil once you started to play with him. She told me she worked with evils. She wanted out. They never let her got out”. “Who?” Zo asked

“We are trees. We do not move. She became a wandering ghost stuck in that castle. I never got to see her again. A student died two years ago at the same day.”

Fina and Shelly glanced at each other.

“Do you know her?” Fina asked

“Pftt. Of course” One of the short trees said.

“Mélanie Crest. Pretty. Died when she was a senior. Purple hair with purple eyes. Had a bracelet she always wear. I think it’s magic related. I wouldn’t be surprised if she got her beauty with it. She was so pretty”

Fina eyes widened.

“Bracelet?”

“Yes. I swear on my mama-

“You don’t have a mama.”

“I’m a grandma. I have kids that fetilize”

“I swear on my grandkids that I saw her in that girl with fish eyes. Eh…”

“Serene Berry?”Shelly filled in.

“Aha! That one. Bracelet and all. Still ugly though. You three are pretty though. Ya single?”

“She’s the same. I can sense it. She knew we knew. Her eyes looked down every time she passed”

Fina touched her forehead. Zo swayed and Shelly burst out laughing.

“Talon Smith is dating a ghost” She said “Talon Smith is dating a ghost?” She asked, extremely terrified.

“Her grave is buried somewhere here. Follow the hawk sounds. Those animals looked like that ugly teacher. Sparkler… eh…

“Zedler” Shelly said again

“Yes. Same face and all “Same nose. So ugly. Never smile. Always constipated”

The girls smiled.

“If Mélanie Crest is dead, who is Serene Berry?” Fina asked

“I don’t know but you can see for yourself. Mélanie is dead. Follow the hawk.”

The fog descended on them again.

“One more thing, please” Fina said to the tree of tears. “What’s her name?”

“Xiana Kang. She came from Aries territory. I don’t know the boy. But I’m certain they work together. He’s not normal. Darkness radiates off him but I think Xiana knew.” The tree of tears said “He passed here every time but I swear on my purple flowers that he changes face every day. Like he’s hiding from spiritual beings who can figure him out. He uses a strange spell. An unrecognizable spell. So, you’ll think it’s a different person. I saw him once. I never saw him again”

“Does Xiana have white hair?” Shelly asked

“Yes.”

“We met her, you know?” Fina said “When did she die?”

“Junior level. Never made it to intermediate”

“I don’t think Xiana would want you to be sad. I think she would want you to be happy” Zo said

“Thanks for telling us” Fina said

“I swear this is really weird. I swear on my lazy limbs” Shelly said when they walked away.

“Follow the hawks” Zo said

They moved closer to where the sound was so loud and came to an abrupt up when they heard footsteps some feet away from them.

They hid themselves behind a tree and waited for whoever it was to walk away.

Fina eyes traced the shadow of the person as it stopped close to them, staying for a while before walking away.

When the person was far from them, they released a breath of relief.

“I think that’s the same person I saw that night, Zo. I wasn’t mistaken. Where is whoever that is, going this late at night?” Fina asked

“The same reason we are out” Shelly whispered.

They tread carefully, following the hawk sounds until they finally came to a spot. The farthest in the forest.

Fallen leaves stood in a heap everywhere. The place looked deserted. Like no one has stepped foot there for a long time.

The hawks crowed more loudly, their sounds creeping them out.

Their footsteps were more louder as they walked around.

“Can I turn on my wand light now? I know how to do that” Zo said

“Yes” Fina replied, although she could see clearly in the moonlight.

Zo shook her wand very well and a white light appeared at the tip of her wand.

The hawks didn’t stop crowing. If, possible they crowed more louder.

A feet away from them stood a large pile of leaves.

Fina walked to the pile. The hawks were many on the leaves and they didn’t even bother to move when Fina moved closer.

Shelly Jefferson hissed and threw three rocks at them.

The hawks flew away at once.

Fina began to brush away the leaves.

Shelly Jefferson joined her while Zo held the wand light.

After a minute of pushing away the leaves, they finally saw a hint of stone.

When all the leaves were brushed aside, the grave became bare.

Stones were put beside one another to form a square and in the midst of it was sand.

“M.C” Fina read out the letters carved on the sand. “Mélanie Crest”

“It’s true” Zo breathed “I I saw her. Looked loo-looked at her. Was close to her. She she she a ggghost”

“Not just you, Zo” Shelly said “Didn’t Fina even touch her?”

Fina shuddered.

“Of course not. I did not”

Shelly smirked.

“Just saying. How about Talon who I supposed have mixed tongue with her?” Shelly asked

Zo and Fina gagged.

“Remember when she talked about Lucius with the Ice element? A fat lie” Zo said with disgust.

“And Fina did read her that time. Emotion reader”

“I wonder what she’s up to. We’re telling Talon about his ghost girlfriend” Zo said

Zo flicked her wand in anger and it hit on a white paper which Fina saw in a flash.

Fina grabbed the wand from her and flashed it on the paper.

“What’s that?” Zo asked

“A note” Fina said as she picked up the paper from the ground.

Then, she looked at the girls in complete horror, her face completely pale.

“Which says ’I heard everything. I’ll get you. And when I do? You won’t live to tell the tale”