Silent Storm

Isabella and the other students approach Gaia’s shrine, with each step taken bringing about an increasing feeling of joy and excitement.

They enter the shrine and Isabella sits at the base of the tree with her legs crossed. She instructs the other students to sit and form a circle around her.

All the students take their seats, with the exception of Daphne Blaire, who looks on at the tree in awe.

Her unkempt bleach blond hair and unusually dark eye shadow make it hard for one to appreciate her beauty.

Isabella notices her uninterrupted gaze. “Everything ok Daphne?” she asks.

Without taking her eyes off the tree, Daphne responds in her usual eerie tone, “Gaia’s Tree-----“, she laughs slowly. “Fascinating, wouldn’t you all agree?”

The other students give her a blank look.

“Yes Daphne, it truly is a sight to beh---”

Daphne, still staring at Gaia’s Tree, interrupts Isabella. “The dead always seem to get me excited,” she says.

She finally turns her attention away from the tree and stares at the other students, with a frightening smile. “Aren’t you all excited?” she asks.

The other students quickly distance themselves from her in fear.

“Gaia’s not dead Daphne you know that. Her spirit lives on in this tree,” corrects Isabella.

Daphne smiles, “Death comes in many forms Madame Munroe. Wouldn’t you agree?” she rebuts.

Jasper leans over and whispers to Rebecca, “Do you think the Academy knows she’s crazy?”

“Be quiet Jasper,” Rebecca responds, “She can hear----”

Daphne looks in Jasper and Rebecca’s direction and stares intensely at them. “What was that?” she asks.

Jasper and Rebecca, clearly startled, respond in unison, “Nothing, we didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, I thought I heard something about me being crazy.”

Jasper and Rebecca look nervously at each other.

Daphne begins to giggle.

She gazes at the tree once more, then takes her seat in the circle.

A speechless Isabella stares curiously at Daphne.

She regains her trail of thought. “Now, can anyone tell me the main advantage us Witches have over the Altere, including the Quin?”

Isabella looks around the circle for volunteers, and sees Gertrude Lareaux, a petite red headed girl with glasses, desperately flapping her arms in the air.

Isabella smiles. “Yes Gertrude, go ahead.”

Gertrude jumps up excitedly, fixes her glasses on her face, and takes a deep breath.

“The Altere each possess a unique ability, while the Quin are blessed with mastery over a natural element, with the exception of the Nonpareil, who has the ability to manipulate all the elements,” she says.

She looks around the room with a nerdy smile on her face, then continues. “A Witch’s range of abilities on the other hand, are endless, assuming one is adept enough at manipulating all 13 runes.”

An impressed Isabella attempts to commend Gertrude but is quickly interrupted.

“However, Witches do have one major limitation, they have significantly less inherent Aethereal energy than the Altere and the Quin.” Gertrude’s smile broadens as she stares at Isabella.

Isabella stares back at her, hesitant to speak, having no idea if Gertrude’s lesson was over.

“Which is why we utilize Rune Circles, which act as a conduit to the Aethereal Plane, allowing us to amplify our own magic power. So technically, depending on how much Aetherial energy a witch is able to manipulate from the Plane, their potential power could arguably be immeasurable. Which makes sense considering both the Altere and the Quin were created from Gaia’s Rune Magic. Interestingly enough, Gaia’s tree itself can also serve as an amplifier-----”

Isabella, realizing that Gertrude could go on indefinitely, finally intervenes. “Thank you, Gertrude, always a pleasure having you take over my class, kindly have a seat.”

Gertrude fixes her glasses and reluctantly takes her seat back in the circle.

Daphne whispers to Akio Tanaka, a perpetually distracted boy, with straight, dark hair. “That girl truly is weird, wouldn’t you agree?”

Akio, stares into space without even acknowledging Daphne.

“Before I get started with the true lesson for today, I need someone to tell me what the Rune of the Rings signifies,” says Isabella.

She scans the circle once more and sees Gertrude desperately flapping her arms trying to get her attention. Seeing no other willing students, and fearing another endless monologue from Gertrude, Isabella calls on Rebecca.

“Really sis?” says Rebecca.

“The Rune of the Rings Ms. Munroe,” urges Isabella.

“Ms. Munroe huh?” says an annoyed Rebecca.

Isabella gives her a nasty stare.

“Ok fine, I’m sorry. The Rune of the Rings signifies Synergy and Teamwork,” says Rebecca.

“That’s correct. Now for today’s lesson, you’ll all have to be perfectly in sync with each other. So, everyone close your eyes and hold hands, summon your Rune Circles, and tap into the Rune of the Rings.”

The students begin to groan.

Isabella ignores them. “Now begin!” she exclaims.

The students close their eyes and several Rune Circles, each with 13 symbols appear. The symbols begin spinning clockwise, after which, a symbol with three intertwining rings moves to the center of the circle.

“Excellent everyone, now focus, focus on each other’s thoughts and feelings.

The students’ eyes become as white as snow; their hair raised as if being blown up by the wind.

The tree begins to glow brightly.

“Now open your eyes!” Isabella instructs.

The students all open their eyes and immediately stand up.

They begin touching their faces, and looking around suspiciously.

“Izzy, what’s happening, I feel funny” says a frightened Rebecca.

“All your thoughts and feelings are now connected; your magic power is heightened. Feels great, doesn’t it?” says a proud Isabella.

“So, we can hear each other’s thoughts?” asks Jasper.

“That’s right,” Isabella responds.

All the students suddenly stare at Daphne with a frightened look.

“What?” asks Daphne.

The students quickly back away from her, and towards Isabella.

Isabella sighs and places her face in her palms. “Daphne, whatever it is you’re thinking right now, think about something else.”

“This is tantamount to victimization wouldn’t you agree?” rebuts Daphne.

“Happy thoughts, Daphne!” orders Isabella.

“Fine then,” Daphne obliges. “Rainbows and butterflies,” she says, as she curtsies sarcastically.

Isabella rises to her feet, “Rebecca said that the Rune of the Rings signifies Synergy and Teamwork, which is correct,” she says, as she walks slowly around the students. “But, it also signifies Alchemy.”

Isabella stops suddenly. “The same way it was used to combine your thoughts and emotions, it can be used to combine the other 12 Runes.”

The usually enthusiastic Gertrude nervously fixes her glasses, “Ms. Munroe, Rune Alchemy is only taught to graduated students who decide to remain at the Academy. Surely you must know how dangerous-----”

Isabella continues, completely ignoring Gertrude’s reservations. “Natalia, the last known Quin of the flame, was also a very powerful witch. She was able to use the Rune of the Rings to combine the Moon and Scythe Runes, allowing her to create the most convincing illusions the Academy has ever seen.”

The students fidget nervously as they look around at each other.

“Now, it’s time for everyone’s favorite pass time,” says Isabella.

The students begin to groan restlessly, aware of what’s to come next.

“That’s right, Rune Recitals,” says Isabella.

“But we didn’t do anything wrong,” says Christal Taft, a tiny blond girl, with the voice of an infant.

Isabella snickers, “I know you’ve generally been forced to perform Rune Recitals as punishment for bad behavior, but I assure you, its importance is much more significant.”

Jasper whispers to Rebecca, “Jeez Becca, your sister’s really on a roll today, man.”

“Normally, you’ve done Rune Recitals solitarily, but today, you’ll have to do them in unison, any slip up by even just one of you, will result in you all having to start over. But this should be easy, since you are all linked to each other now,” Isabella continues, as she positions herself next to Gaia’s Tree. “Remember your hand signals,” she adds. “Now begin!”

The students stare at each other hesitantly. “Guys I know how much everyone hates Rune Recitals, but let’s get this over quickly so we can be done with it,” says Rebecca.

This seems to motivate the other students and they begin to chant in unison, making different hand symbols representing the 13 Witch’s Runes.

Several Rune Circles appear once again.

“Brighten our days, oh Rune of the Sun, your powers we beg, for the fights to be won.”

“Rune of the Moon, our spirits to lift, wander our dreams, to grant us this gift.”

“Graceful and true, oh Rune of Flight, to soar through the skies, and escape every plight.”

“Rune of the Rings, connect us as one, for if we resist, we’ll surely be done.”

“We live and we die, rebirth is assured, we beseech you oh Trinity, for balance restored.”

“Rune of the Woman, forever our healer, in times of despair, you long to repair.”

“Rune of the Man, courageous and strong, protection and willpower, forever your song.”

“Rune of the Harvest, filled with wonder and mystery, you give and you take, we accept absolutely.”

“We stand at the Crossroads, our path is unclear, remove every obstacle, for victory is near.”

“Rune of the Star, shining down from the heavens, grant all our wishes, let our faith thus be strengthened.”

“Strengthen our faith, but neglect not our souls, Rune of the Waves, please keep us all whole.”

“Rune of the Scythe, make our enemies shudder, grip them with fear, by the power to smother.”

“Show us the truth, lest we be deceived, Rune of the Eye, your insight received.”

Isabella cautiously positions herself behind Gaia’s Tree.

The Rune Circles begin to converge, forming a singular, but larger circle.

The symbols in the circle rotate clockwise at an alarming speed, finally meeting at the center of the circle, forming a large Infinity symbol.

The students all marvel at their amazing accomplishment.

“Sis, look what we----- how did we-----” a bewildered Rebecca struggles to form her sentences out of pure awe and jubilation.

She glances at Isabella taking cover behind the tree.

“Sis, why are you-----”

Jasper, sweating profusely, looks helplessly at Rebecca, “Becca, I don’t feel so good,” he says.

The giant Rune Circle begins to emit an alarming glow, the shrine begins to shake violently.

A blinding light engulfs the room, and a harsh burst of Aethereal energy scatters the students in several directions within the shrine.

The tree immediately begins to emit a glow of its own, which envelopes the students, suspending them in midair, easing their fall.

Isabella moves from behind the tree and walks toward the students, who are groveling in pain and discomfort on the floor. “That lasted about 10 seconds, when you become more adept at manipulating the 13 Runes, you’ll be able to maintain the Eternal Rune Circle for much longer.”

Gertrude’s eyes light up with unbridled joy. “Eternal Rune Circle? Wow!” she says.

“That’s a Witch’s greatest defense, but it can only be manifested through the convergence of 13 Rune Circles; thereby requiring 13 Witches.”

Isabella helps the students to their feet. “Never attempt this without supervision, and by supervision, I mean a member of the Faculty of Witchcraft,” says Isabella as she walks towards Gaia’s Tree, “Or within the confines of this Shrine, where Gaia can protect you from yourselves.”

Daphne stares into space with a crazed look on her face.

“Daphne are you ok?” asks Isabella.

“I thought we were all going to die,” she responds.

“No need to worry Daph-----”

Daphne puts on a broad and creepy smile, as she interrupts Isabella, “It was so exhilarating, don’t you all agree? Let’s do it again.”

The other students stare her down in disbelief.

“Wow,” says Jasper.

“That’s enough for today Daphne, you all need to get some rest. From tomorrow, we’ll be experimenting with Rune combinations. You’re all dismissed,” Says Isabella.

The students hobble out of the Shrine one by one.

“Ms. Munroe, no offense, but we’ll get killed in a fight before we even finish the recital,” cautions Jasper.

“Depending on the aptitude of the Witch, the recital and hand signals may not be necessary,” Isabella responds. “Now run along,” she says.

Jasper leaves, with Rebecca following closely behind.

“You coming sis? Asks Rebecca, as she leaves the Shrine.

“In just a few minutes Becca.”

Isabella notices Daphne still lingering. “Something on your mind Daphne?”

“Do you think it will be enough?” asks Daphne.

“Huh?”

“The Eternal Rune, will it be enough to kill her?”

“Kill who? Cordelia?”

“Delilah.”

“Daphne, I don’t think you understand what you’re saying.”

“She’s a criminal who murdered her comrades and betrayed the Academy. Her right to live has been relinquished,” says Daphne, as she walks closer to Isabella. “Wouldn’t you agree?” she continues.

“Wouldn’t’ killing your own mother make you a murderer just like her?” asks Isabella.

Daphne continues to walk toward Isabella, until there is little space between them. “Everyone already thinks I’ll become just like her, so in their eyes, I’m already a murderer, wouldn’t you agree?” Daphne responds.

“Sit with me,” says Isabella, leading Daphne to the base of the tree.

Isabella and Daphne both sit with their legs folded under them at the base of the tree.

“What are we doing?” asks Daphne.

“Your Aether’s imbalanced, Gaia can help.”

“My Aether’s fine Ms. Munroe,” says Daphne as she attempts to get up.

Isabella grabs her arm and pulls her back down.

“Close your eyes Daphne.”

“Alright, alright,” Daphne says, while closing her eyes.

“Feel Gaia’s energy coursing through you.”

“I’m not feeling any—Oh my” says an excited Daphne.

“Feels good doesn’t it.”

“It feels wonderful. Everything’s so much clearer now.”

“I told you it would work. You don’t really want to kill your mother, your emotions were blocking up your Aether points, causing an imbalance.

“No, I still want to kill her, this little meditation just made that clearer to me now.”

“What?” asks a perplexed Isabella.

“Thanks Ms. Munroe, I needed that,” says Daphne as she springs to her feet and exits the shrine.

“Gaia help us,” says Isabella, as she exhales and braces back on the tree.

***

Marie and Jason are sparring with each other in the Field Garden as rain pours down on them. Jason charges Marie but she gracefully dodges by liquefying to a puddle of water and slides behind him, then she solidifies and places him in a choke hold. She laughs happily and kisses him on his cheek---

---In the Ground Floor of the Training Dome, Vanessa and Riley are firing bolts of electricity at each other.

They both skillfully dodge each other’s attacks.

Vanessa’s entire body begins to course with electricity, and she charges Riley with tremendous speed.

Riley falls on his back.

Vanessa prepares to fire a bolt of electricity from her hand, but Riley quickly fires a blast of water from his mouth, sending Vanessa flying across the room.

Riley gets up and laughs at the drenched Vanessa on the floor.

“The rules were that you wouldn’t use water Riley.”

“Really? According to you Cordelia doesn’t play fair.”

“Touché,” says Vanessa, as she stretches out her hand for Riley to help her up.

Riley grabs her hand but Vanessa shocks him and causes him to fall to the floor. “Get some rest Riley, we have a long couple of weeks ahead of us.”

Vanessa exits the Dome, leaving Riley twitching on the floor, trying to get to his feet.

***

Victoria wipes the benches in the Holy Cathedral, as Father Joseph opens the massive church doors.

“Can I finally get to sit in on your sermon Godfather? I’ve been cleaning and doing these stupid chores for what feels like an eternity, it’s getting boring,” says Victoria.

Father Joseph nods disapprovingly, “I can’t have you attacking my congregation,” he says.

“I’ve got everything under control now thanks to you,” says Victoria, as she opens her palm and creates a healthy bright flame. “See, no darkness.”

“So you no longer thirst for revenge?” asks Father Joseph.

Victoria is overtaken by painful memories, causing the flame to suddenly turn black.

“That’s what I thought,” says Father Joseph.

Victoria closes her palm and extinguishes the flame.

Allowing her anger to get the better of her, she begins to exclaim. “Listen Padre, this little religious retreat we’ve got going on here, it’s just a detour, you can’t expect me to stay hidden forever.”

“A detour huh? You still haven’t told me what in the Heavenly Father’s name you plan to do once you leave here.”

Victoria strikes one of the benches in anger and breaks it.

She immediately apologizes.

“You’re in no condition to be around anyone right now,” says Father Joseph, as he picks up a sermon book from one of the benches and hands it over to Victoria. “Take this, use it to follow the sermon, from upstairs, in your room, now go before anyone shows up.”

Victoria grabs the book. “Fine, oh holy one,” she says, as she storms off and goes upstairs.

“What have I gotten myself into?” asks Father Joseph.