Chapter Eight: A New Semester

Syphron:

My breath hitched at the sight of her, the black sweater dress hugging her in the right places. Tossing her orange cloak over her shoulders, the torture clearly written on her face. Her gravestone still bothered her, guilt gnawing at me. Pulling my black hood over my face, the feeling of being clean was so amazing. Sammy tapped my shoulder, my clenched fist hovering inches in front of his face. Dropping my hand to my side, he scratched the back of my head. Edge, I still felt on edge. Those bastards ruined a nice weekend, the very thought of her being pregnant in a month haunting me. It wasn't enough that I already took away most of her freedom, her fingers intertwined with mine. Her warmth washed over me, the pure comfort of it all so alluring.

"You need to stop living in your head so much." She teased lightly, flashing me her real smile. "I want to have your baby, it would please me. I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for standing up for me earlier." Kissing the top of my hand, a rosy tint burned my cheeks. She was being so gentle right now, her true personality shining through. Following the sea of velvet cloaks, the branches crunched underneath our shoes. The trees grew thicker, the trees thinning out to an empty circle. A pair of golden scissors were being passed around, people cutting off a lock of their hair. The pair of golden scissors felt heavy in my palm, Sy cutting off a lock of each of our hair. Passing the scissors on, Darthon stood over her body. One by one we placed our locks on her, Alice placing a letter on her chest. All of us formed a circle, our hands holding each other's. Humming one her favorite songs, Alice's angelic voice echoed in the night, Darthon harmonizing with her. One by one we all joined her, his trembling hands lowering the black ceremony torch over her body. Orange flames licked the sheets, all of our voices getting louder. Tears were wet in our voices, the sense of community feeling like an unfamiliar warmth in my heart. Letting go of our hands, my arms wrapped around her tiny waist as we all watched the flames die down. Walking up to the black ashes, her palm pressed onto the black ceremonial table. Her lips moved silently, the ashes drifting aimlessly into the sky. Black rose petals floated down instead of the ash, gasps of wonder traveling behind her. Laughter erupted in the still night air, Alice walking away from all of the madness, the distant look in her eyes frightening me. Chasing after her, tears streamed down her cheeks. Collapsing into my arms, every emotion soaked my shoulder. Gripping my shirt, her claws ripped a couple of holes. Gentle snores told me that she was sleeping, probably for the first time in days. Scooping her into my arms, her head rested against my chest. Shivering in my arms, I tossed my cloak over her. How could a strong person look so fragile? Laying her down on our bed, she pulled the blankets over her shoulder. Turning to leave, her fingers wrapped around my wrists.

"Don't leave me." She pleaded sweetly, her eyes fluttering open groggily. "I need you here by my side. Please stay." Taking off my shoes, the mattress groaned as I climbed into bed. Turning towards, her broken look shattered my heart. Teardrops soaked the black sheets, scarlet burning her cheeks as I clutched her close to my chest. Singing her the lullaby that her mother used to sing, slumber soon won her back over.

Two days came and went, Alice sleeping the entire time. We all just checked on her every now and then, getting our uniforms together. Happy to watch her sleep peacefully, it was nice to see her smile every now and then in her sleep. The shrill beep of the alarm went off, Alice crashing to the floor. Popping her head up over the bed, she looked adorable. Saying nothing, she snatched her uniform off of the nightstand. Smoothing out my navy blazer and cotton pants, the white dress shirt was a little stiff. Fixing my tie, she came out with her navy tie in her hand. My heart skipped a beat, her beauty stunning me once more. The navy plaid skirt barely covered her ass, the white dress shirt not really buttoning up over her ample breasts The black socks going over her knees literally was my school girl fantasy, her hair pulled into pigtails. Her navy blazer hugged her flat stomach, scarlet burning my cheeks. Clutching her close to my chest, her hair tickled my chin. Pride swelled in my eyes, she was mine.

"I can't figure out my tie." She whined cutely, sliding on her black loafers. "Why are there uniforms anyway?" Her pout actually made her look her age, Darthon banging a pan telling us that we needed to go. Rushing down the stairs, my nimble fingers fixed her tie. A honk told us that the bus was here, all four of us running out to get on the bus. The door hissed behind us, a sea of rich kids sticking their noses up in the air. Plopping down in the back, an icy female voice snapped her back to reality. Her bully stood in front of her, her perfect blonde hair pulled into a bun. Menace darkened her navy blue eyes, her five foot seven height matching my Alice's. Diamond earrings glinted in the morning sun, Alice ignoring her on purpose.

"I see the freak from the funeral home has more oddballs of relatives." She taunted cruelly, pulling a carton of milk from her bag. "Let's see if you milk what you have." Dumping the milk over her head, she refused to react. Cocking my brow, a cold touch from Alice telling me to calm down. Rolling her eyes, this was why she had always hated school. Understanding her a bit better, the cruelty of fellow students knew on limits.

"We all can't be barbies, Heather." Dallena retorted sarcastically, taking off her blazer. "At least my father loves, and is around. Where is your father this week? Is it with another woman?" Scoffing at her insult, her bully sauntered up to her two blonde mimic of friends. Dallena ripped off Alice's blazer, tears swimming in her eyes. Nothing was said between us, the bus squealing to a stop in front of the white marble school. The door hissed open, the yellow bus letting us off. A group of students rushed up to Alice, pissing off her bully more. A million questions shot in her direction, my arm wrapping around her waist protectively. The desire to protect raged in my mind, her polite smile fooling them all.

"It appears that you all have many questions for me, so I will simply introduce myself." She promised in a royal manner, gasps of wonder flying around behind her. "I am Molly Starkent, and this is my husband Syphron Starkent. The country where we came from allowed us to marry each other. It was a beautiful wedding. I can't wait to be your friend." Flashing a pageant smile, cheers erupted around her. Rushing through the crowd, the first bell rang. Students emptied the hall, the smell of milk sickening me. Walking up close behind her, sharp whispers echoed in my ears. Most of them were how cool we were, my grip tightening around her waist. My ears burned at the mention of her calling me her husband, jealousy lusting at my darkest intentions.

"Why did you say that!" I demanded hotly, her eyes narrowing at me. "What game are you playing?" Taking a deep breath, it was now just us in the hallway. Clearing her throat, her strong arms dragged me into the auditorium's left wing.

"I need to gain popularity to get all of my items." She hissed irritably, hiding us in between the heavy red velvet curtains. "Lucy and Johnny are here as well to stop my plan. Besides, if I don't make any friends, won't it be clear that I am an outsider. Most people love juicy stuff such as that. I only have a week or so before we get caught as a couple of fakes. Let's get to class." Dragging me through the halls, embarrassment burned our cheeks as we entered our English class. A grumpy middle aged man with cold dark eyes cocked his brow, his eyes falling on our ring fingers.

"I see you have no regard for being on time." He chastised venomously, the two of us stepping back. "We are discussing a classic. Do you know the play Romeo and Juliette? I want you to summarize it in two sentences." Groaning to myself, it was my turn to be the net for Alice.

"It is a romantic tragedy that could have been prevented if they simply communicated. I mean how hard it is to say that you are going to pretend to be dead, and then run off with your girl." I answered coldly, watching his rage grow hotter. "More importantly, why couldn't the families just get along? Was it really worth it to keep murdering each other? I guess all I want to say is that it wasn't right that two lovers couldn't be together because of their families. On top of that, it is so fucking rich that they got along after. What kind of stupid are you where it takes your children dying to reach an agreement?" His teeth clenched tightly, Alice dragging me to my seat. Laughter erupted behind me, the teacher simply turning back to the board. This wasn't a good start, there was a reason that I never was visible in school. Resting my head on my hands, the classes dragged on until choir. Piling into the grass green room, the black wooden bleachers creaked as we sat down. A short bald man skipped in, excitement brimming in his eyes. Alice's breath hitched, he was holding a golden cup full of candy.The simple goblet shimmered in the light, the rough surface catching on his black wool suit. That was the cup she needed to drink from, drool practically dripping from the corner of her lips.

"I am announcing a singing contest for this prize." He sang happily, spinning around. "Who is entering the couple's section?" Alice, Lucy, Johnny's and my hand shot up, growls rumbling in our throats. They are really here to slow our progress, this is going to prove difficult. Alice chewed on her lips, her mind lost in deep thought. Admiring her beauty, she looked so intelligent mulling over what to do. Not paying attention to anyone else, all of the girls eyes watched me. Shaking off the odd feeling, it was one that I did not desire. Alice was all that I desired, her sweet kisses keeping me going.

"Okay." He blurted out excitedly, slamming the cup on his worn emerald green piano. "Let's begin. Lucy and Johnny, you go first since you have been in the system the longest." The two of them skipped down the bleachers, Lucy whispering a song into his ears. Generic pop played, the entire class cheering loudly for them. Worry dotted her eyes, her teeth chewing on her nails. Kissing the top of her head, she had this.

"We need to write our own song, or we will lose." She whispered to me, a nervous smile spreading across my lips. "So just play what I tell you." Nodding in silent agreement , a lump formed in my throat. How could my pumpkin do this to me? My personality type did not permit me to come up with things on the fly, a deep seeded anxiety sprouting into a tree. Clapping echoed in the still room, the music teacher calling out our names. Hopping down the bleachers, shock widened his eyes the moment I shoved him off of the bench. Whispering the basic tune and key, it all made sense.

Standing straight up, she hummed a bit. Slow music twinkled from underneath my fingers, her first verse melting my heart.

"Where would I be without my king? My blossoms wouldn't bloom, but rot from the darkness in my soul." She sang perfectly, twirling around the room. "You saved me from a life of bittersweet misery, smiling warmly at me no matter what. Ooh. Ooh. Protecting me from my enemies, becoming my knight in shining armor." Gazing lovingly down at me, the students watched with childlike wonder in their eyes.

"Now the chorus." She sang proudly, her real smile causing my heart to flutter. "Come rescue me on your white horse. Save me the dragon of my life. Take me to your castle, no matter how small. Rescue me! Rescue me!" Lowering the microphone, it was my turn. Clearing my throat, she sat down next to me. Her fingers bounced over the ivory keys, her gentle smile easing my bubbling anxiety.

"You started out cold, my love melting your icy walls. One kick at time knocking them down. Little by little you let me in. Pumpkin, you illuminate my night. " I sang in my rich voice, the girls in class swooning. "The thorny ring around my finger tells me that you will be mine forever. Your enemies will stand no more, my love shielding you from any pain. Kissing you reminds me of your magic. Curse me with your magic!" Blushing slightly, her eyes never left mine as the teacher shoved us off of the bench. Playing the song flawlessly, she belted out the chorus once more.

"I am your freedom from the darkness." We sang harmoniously, spinning her around. "Together we stand, saving each other. Never let go of me. I need your hammer to break down my walls, the loneliness will never happen again. Let's go down the path of love, your heart showing me the way. Let's win the battle of wits." The piano slowed to a trickle of notes, the two of us bowing. Cheers shook the whole room, the music teacher pressing the cup into her palm. Jumping up and down, true happiness glistened in her eyes. Tossing the candy towards her fellow classmates, today proved fruitful. Cupping it to her chest, this was the pumpkin that I hadn't seen in a while. Spinning around, she sprinted out of the room. Lucy and Johnny chased after her, a couple of simple black curved blades in their eager palms. Confusion dawned on everyone's face, Heather stopping me. Folding her arms across her chest, her all knowing stare pissing me off.

"I will not let you hurt my new friends." She declared proudly, an ancient black dagger spinning in her palms. "I forgot to tell you that I come from a long line of hunters, and I could smell your demonic energy from a mile away. I am going to let them kill her, then I will kill them. It is under the orders of Beezlebub himself.Do you want to play?" Pumpkin smashed into the wall next to me, her blade trembling in her palms. Struggling to her feet, one of their blades quivered in her stomach. Coughing up blood, her boots pounded back down the hall. My blade slid into my eager palm, a sound wave knocking her back. Brushing past her, the two of them were kicking her ass. Leaping in front of her, the two stopped for a moment. Trembling on the floor, she wasn't holding up too well.

"Heather is going to kill you under your boss' orders. I demand you help us out, or die a horrible death by her." I blurted out awkwardly, a group of students staring at us oddly. "This is just for a play, so keep a move on." Running along, they whispered about what type of play it would be. Dread bubbled in my stomach, the very idea of writing a play scaring me to death.

"Do you have proof?" Johnny huffed tiredly, Lucy holding the only blade they had left. "I can't believe you. You existed, but didn't for years. What the hell was that all about, Sy?" Heather stumbled into the hall, an oh shit face growing on all of our faces. Blood dripped from the back of her head, Pumpkin's eyes falling on the golden rock on Heather's necklace. That was the source of her strength, a dark energy curling from it.

"It is true, and I would be honored to kill you both in a heartbeat. We don't need demons in this world. Your boss is promising me the greatest life ever, how could a girl resist. Girls, attack!" She ordered sharply, snapping her fingers. "We have a mess to clean up." Her two mimics charged at the four of us, Pumpkin ripping the sword out of her stomach. Cupping her stomach, blood flooded in between her fingers. Mouthing a silent spell, the wound sealed shut. Wiping the blood from the corner of her lips, her sword trembled in her hands. The last battle really took a toll on her, black energy swirling around her arm. The three of them charged at us, Sammy popping up behind them. A black skeleton scythe spun above his head, Dallena dragging Pumpkin to safety. Swinging his scythe down towards Heather, the power of death swirled around him. Blocking his attack in time, Johnny and I pounded towards the clash of two titans. Crashing into the wall, white marble crumbled over Sammy's head. Waiting for our new allies to attack, my fingers strummed on the strings which gave them more speed. Nothing worked, Pumpkin ripping the necklace from her neck. Heather fell back, Pumpkin's sword clashing with mine. Shock rounded my eyes, Heather trembling behind her. The spell was gone, the black spirit controlling her body drifting into the sky. Her blade faded away, Heather and her friends sitting in stunned shock. Crouching down to her level, she held her hands over each of their heads.

"Sleep, and forget." She whispered calmly, yawning tiredly. "You will not remember a single thing. This was just a weird dream." All three of them passed out, her compassion knowing no bounds. Even though this girl bullied her this morning, she chose to save them all. Her kindness made my heart melt, scarlet rising to my cheeks. I didn't deserve such a treasure of a person. Tossing me the cursed dagger, a single swing destroyed the dagger. Turning back towards Lucy and Johnny, she offered them her hand.

"I am offering you a chance to live a free afterlife if you help me win." She offered kindly, the two of them watching her cautiously. "I wouldn't have given you back your weapon if I didn't think it wouldn't work out for everybody. Truce?" Johnny stepped forward, a great many words sitting on his tongue. Guilt gnawed at him, his fingers wrapping around hers.

"We promise to help you as long as you become our new queen." He uttered in disbelief, unsure of what to say next. "You saved us from Heather after everything we did. It wasn't like we were nice to you when we were all humans. You just let us hit you over and over again, even letting Lucy stab you in the stomach. I don't get you at all." Shrugging her shoulders, she tossed a couple of the girls over her shoulder.

"Maybe I always liked you guys. You did have pleasant moments as my friends." She uttered simply, sitting them up against the wall. "You guys always listened to me when I talked. Besides, who else would have given me my new life? Are you coming with us? We have one more artifact to find. Then I can ditch this dump. I do have to get knocked up before the next month is up." Sauntering down the hall, all of us hung back curious at her honesty. Her mood was pleasant which was a rarity, her eyebrows raising as she gazed warmly back at us. Catching up to her, we must have looked like the weirdest group of heroes.