Stained Utopia

"The results are quite remarkable," Amanda continued, observing Maya closely for any signs of awareness. "It appears you're a quadripartite."

Maya forced a look of surprise on her face, "A quadripartite, Headmistress? Should that be possible?"

Amanda nodded, "It's extremely rare, Maya. But, it seems you have been gifted with the abilities of all four elements."

Maya quietly nodded, squeezing her fists as she sat tensely in the chair.

"That sounds… intense."

"Quite extraordinary, indeed. It seems Gods have high expectations of you. Perhaps even wish to make you a new cornerstone of our society."

The Headmistress's eyes were steady on Maya.

"Uh, oh, I…"

Maya was able to tell Amanda was implying the role of a Prima without stating it out loud. The stress on her shoulders increased.

"Perhaps I am looking at our next leader," the Headmistress smiled kindly. "A future Rectoress, or even a Gouverness."

"I see, but I'm just a student, Headmistress. I don't think I'm ready to lead anyone," Maya replied, wishing to mislead Amanda into thinking she was clueless about her newfound status. "It's not like I'm a spirit-bender or something," Maya laughed nervously.

Amanda stared at her for a moment, in her expression almost a noticeable hint of eyebrows raising. However, any hints of it quickly disappeared as if they were never there.

'Oh no. Did I mess up?'

"Indeed, you're still a student, Maya. Worry not. You must be chosen for a reason. We will guide you and help you understand your abilities better," Amanda said, her voice reassuring as she glossed over Maya's bad joke.

"Thank you, Headmistress. I appreciate your support," Maya replied, relieved that she had managed to maintain her innocent façade. She was still unsure if Amanda completely believed her, but for now, she had done her part.

"Maya," Amanda continued, "Do you wish to train all four of your elements?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Maya responded, confused.

"You do realize it would make things much more difficult for you? You'll have to put in four times the effort than your peers," Amanda clarified, her gaze scrutinizing.

"Do I have to choose?" Maya questioned sheepishly, her heart pounding in her chest, "I hope I'll manage to graduate at least one of them. Doing all four increases my odds, does it not?"

"In truth, it reduces the likelihood," Amanda replied, her tone neutral as she crossed her arms on her chest.

'She must be right. Splitting her attention four ways does increase the difficulty.'

After coming all the way here, Maya didn't expect she would be given a choice to leave out some of her precious gifts. She was resolved to be sincere in the test in order not to miss a chance to practice her full power.

"I don't want to disappoint the Elements. If they all chose to gift me, I don't want to choose favourites," Maya answered, giving her best to be assertive.

"I understand. You're taking on a significant challenge and I respect that," Amanda stated, her voice steady and supportive. "Please keep in mind, that you need to graduate at least one of them by the end of the year. I'm committed to assisting you in this process, while maintaining fairness, of course."

As she relaxed her posture, the Headmistress pulled out some documents and began filling them in on the spot.

She went on, "Because of the additional practice, we'll adjust your allowance accordingly. This is to account for the work hours you'll forego for practice. If you run into any issues or difficulties with your new schedule, it's crucial that you let me know immediately. Understood?" Amanda offered, her voice filled with a mix of stern authority and reassurance.

"Thank you, Headmistress," Maya replied, her voice barely more than a whisper. She had played her part, and for now, it seemed she had managed to deceive Amanda.

"Before you leave…" the Headmistress hesitated. "If you ever notice strange or sudden changes in your powers, please notify me."

"Of course."

"Visit me sometime soon. I wish to hear how you are adjusting."

After quietly leaving the office, leaving the Headmistress to her work, the weight of their conversation—and all the secrets she had to keep—caused Maya to break down. Her own incessant overthinking created a suffocating atmosphere. It was like a dance where every wrong step could lead to a disastrous fall. The strain made her suddenly lose all her mental fortitude at the sight of the coast clearing.

Maya held it in. At least until she sought refuge in the girls' bathroom, where, in a moment of weakness, she began sobbing uncontrollably, letting her tears flow freely.

In the eyes of everyone, she was a quadripartite, a being capable of manipulating all four elements. It was a rare and daunting ability, one that placed her under the scrutiny of her superiors and peers alike. 

Amanda and Daria, two of the most influential figures in her life, were now her potential adversaries. Maya struggled with conflicting thoughts. Amanda's offer of support and assistance, albeit with an undercurrent of suspicion, was a double-edged sword. It offered a ray of hope but also served as a reminder of the tight leash she was on.

Before overhearing the conversation earlier, Maya wished to confide in Amanda. Now she feared being a Prima would not be seen as something positive.

'What a hypocrite I am!'

Under Elena's harsh criticism, Maya always played Amanda's advocate. However, it seems Maya couldn't bring herself to trust the headmistress when it truly mattered, letting the fear get the best of her.

Come to think of it, with Elena being privy to her secrets, Maya could no longer risk getting on her bad side. With a single malicious streak, Elena could be Maya's complete undoing. Maya cared about her, but even she was wise to tread carefully considering Elena's unpredictable nature.

In the turn of events, Maya was forced to play a dangerous game of trust. When did she become someone who constantly walks the tightrope of deception? It wasn't long ago she chose her own integrity over gain when she was made to choose a girl's fate. And now it was rendered meaningless.

As the tears flowed, she knew she had to remain strong, not just for herself but for everyone who depended on her. But in truth, Maya was desperate. Crushed under her overflowing feelings about her new role and inability to confide in her friends due to the nature of having to keep secrets, having to trust a fickle person to stay true to their vague deal, and reluctance to bother Leo who seems unable to understand the nature of her struggles—Maya was left feeling alone.

"Maya, are you okay?"

Leo's unexpected voice made her tumble and almost fall back. He was standing right in front of her, bending down to be closer to her eye level.

'When did he get here?!'

"I've told you. Bathrooms are off-limits for you!" she snapped at him.

"I just wanted to see if you're okay," he said defensively, raising his palms.

"I'm not okay! There is a reason why I went in here," Maya was frustrated.

"I'm sorry… I was just worried," Leo stumbled over his words, concerned but now ashamed.

"Hello!" Suddenly, Adam's voice echoed in the hallway, causing Maya's heart to skip a beat. "Maya, are you in there?"

Maya quickly dashed away her tears and suppressed her sobs, considering whether to stay silent. Instead, she called out, trying to sound composed, "Yes. I'll be right out!"

"Sorry. I saw you running and thought you might be—" As she emerged from the bathroom, Adam's gaze fell upon her tear-streaked face. "…distressed," he finished, his eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong?"

"Everything and nothing. I don't know how to handle all this," she confessed.

"What exactly is 'all this'?" he probed gently.

"I'm a quadripartite," she revealed.

"That's amazing! Why are you upset about it?"

"I don't know. Everyone already seems to dislike me."

"That's simply not true, Maya."

"Remember Burcu yesterday. Havens, she even lashed out at you because of me."

Adam shrugged. "Don't mind her. No one achieves greatness without a few haters."

She managed a smile at his words. "Thanks, Adam."

They shared a tender moment, his fingers brushing her hair. A spark of romance was in the air, albeit in a less-than-ideal location. An absurd thought of having her first kiss in front of the girl's bathroom crossed her mind.

"This is really romantic," she remarked sarcastically.

He chuckled. "Let me take you somewhere more romantic."

"Now?" her heart accelerated.

"No, on Saturday. Like a proper date."

She smiled, "Alright. See you then."

Maya gave him a quick peck on the cheek and left him standing there. Her face had a crooked smile. The emotional roller coaster was mentally draining, but for now, Adam was her glimmer of hope, a beacon in the storm.