Secret Program

Celestia Ivone's Point of View

It's been three days since I woke up. It's also been three days since I last saw the four members of the 'Mythical Five'. I was thankful I haven't seen any of them anymore, I got to stay here peacefully though I'm a bit bored since I was just alone.

But I prefer this rather than being surrounded by popular students and attracting a lot of attention. I got anxious by the stares as I wasn't used to exposure.

Mandy, Amy, and Sandy visited me separately for the past three days. They kept me entertained since I refused to roam around the campus. There wasn't much to do so I just slept most of the time when they're not around.

Mandy also explained to me that I'll be studying here from now on. She made me decide when I want to start, but not too late. So I chose to start next week. I still need some time to adjust and prepare myself before starting a new life far different from what I used to live at.

It was Amy who told me things I was curious about. I got tons of questions at her and she answered all of them albeit carefully. She made sure to answer what I just asked. She was so careful that I didn't manage to get extra information from her.

Turns out they owe my mother something that's why they're the ones who processed all the things I need to study here. They were also the ones who paid for my stay here and soon, they'll give me things I need.

Today, none of the three can be seen. They already informed me last night about it. They were busy creatures as they held high positions here in the Institute so I understand if they weren't able to pay me a visit. I'm grateful enough that they managed to give some time for me despite being so busy.

But I'm getting bored. There's nothing to do here. So I dragged myself out of my room to roam around the campus. I haven't seen the whole place since I went back to my room when those four left me.

I shivered at the coldness that brushed against my exposed skin. It made me hug myself tighter, the thick sweater that Sandy gave to me a day ago wasn't enough to keep me warm.

My lips parted in awe when I saw clean white particles of snow on the ground instead of the dirty asphalt I recalled from when I first walked out of my room.

I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the snow. I didn't know snow existed? I thought it's only in books! From where I used to live, there's no snow there. Only the menacing heat from the sun was the weather I experienced there.

I couldn't help but giggle every time I stepped on the ground and my feet would get buried in the snow. I ignored the coldness brought by it. Who knows when I will experience this kind of weather again? Might as well enjoy it while I'm on it.

A sudden idea came to me. I looked around to see if there's anyone and I smiled when I saw no one. I crouched down and gathered snow in my glove hands and then I threw it up. I giggled once again when I felt it fall on my head. I repeated it several times, enjoying how cold it feels on my head.

"Tss. Are you a fucking child?"

I was startled out of my wits when I heard a deep, cold voice speak behind me. I stumbled backwards and tripped on my own feet, resulting in me falling butt first on the ground. Thankfully, the snow was thick and so the impact didn't hurt that much.

"What the— you startled me!" I exclaimed while holding my chest where my heart was pounding violently.

"Tss."

I lifted my head to look at who it was.

My whole world suddenly seemed to halt as I faced him. His brown eyes turned gold once our eyes met and I couldn't bring myself to tear my gaze off his extremely handsome face. I'm aware I was unabashedly staring at him but I didn't mind it as he was doing the same to me.

Archer and Kian were handsome and I thought they're the most good-looking guys I've met, but this guy seemed to exceed the fascination I held to Archer and Kian (which I kept to myself).

He was beyond handsome. He looked ethereal, even though he radiates intimidating vibes like Archer. His features were well-defined and prominent, fair skin that suits his silver hair, and his stoic expression that fits him just fine.

How can someone look this good? Are every student that's studying here good-looking?

"Aren't you going to stand up? My arms are getting tired."

Only then was I pulled out of my reverie when I heard his voice. He has his hands offered in front of me and that's when embarrassment kicks in to me.

I felt my cheeks burning in embarrassment as I took his offered hand. I dusted my pants as I stood up straight.

"T-thank you," I mumble without looking at him.

When I didn't hear any response or movement from him, I slowly turned to look at him only to see him staring again at me with a blank expression.

I cleared my throat to hide my embarrassment, "Uh, don't you have anywhere to go?" I asked him.

He didn't answer.

I could feel myself blushing with how intense his stares were. I had no idea if he's judging me from what he saw a while ago or what.

"Uhm, if you have nothing to say, then I'll go ahead," I awkwardly bowed down and was about to turn my heels around to leave but quickly stopped when he finally spoke.

"Why are you still outside? Don't you have any classes?"

I gulped, "Well... I..."

"PRIMO!"

I immediately turned around upon hearing the loud scream. My eyes widened when I saw the four members of the Mythical Five approaching our direction.

"There you are! We've been looking for you. You weren't responding to our mind link!" Prim says, pouting, then she turns to face me once she notices I was also here and her pout quickly disappears, replaced by a charming smile. "Oh, hi there Ivy!"

"Ivy! It's great to see you!" Pixie says, waving at me.

I awkwardly smiled back, "It's nice to see you too."

"Hey there gorgeous!" Kian greets me once he stopped in front of us.

I blushed at what he calls me, "H-hello."

I met eyes with Archer who just rolled his eyes on me. My brows furrowed at his attitude. What's wrong with him? I didn't do anything to him as far as I know. We've only met twice.

"You knew each other?" The guy I met a while ago suddenly asked.

"Yup. She's a new student here! We met her a few days ago. She's the one we told you that we toured around before you called for us," Pixie answers him.

"Are we just going to talk here or you'll tell Primo what we came here for," Archer interjects, brows furrowed.

"When will you wake up on the right side of the bed, Archer Montefalco," Prim says, rolling her eyes as she turns to face the guy, who they called 'Primo'. "Anyway, Mandy asks us to meet them in the office."

The guy glanced at me briefly before he nodded, "Alright. Let's go."

"Sorry, Ivy, but we need to go again," Pixie apologizes to me.

I shake my head, "It's fine. You're not obligated to accompany me."

"Hmm, see you when we see you!"

Kian winked at me while Archer didn't spare me a glance. Prim waved me goodbye and so I waved back. The guy glanced at me one more time but didn't say anything before leaving.

Once I was left alone, realization kicked in to me.

The guy earlier, that handsome, intimidating guy who startled me, the one they called 'Primo', was Prim's twin.

And the last member of the Mythical Five.

The realization had my knees wobble, making me almost kneel on the ground.

I... just met all the members of Mythical Five. The most powerful students here in Mystical Institute.

Even as I almost roamed the whole institute, I was still in disbelief at the thought that I met all five members of the most popular and powerful group here. There were no students around so it was fine to walk around in daze without feeling embarrassed or conscious of the stares I might receive.

"Celestia."

"Oh my gosh!"

I stumbled backwards when someone suddenly appeared in front of me. Mandy quickly held my arms to prevent me from falling.

"Mandy! Why are you suddenly appearing out of nowhere!" I couldn't help but exclaim while clutching my chest. Geez. This is the second time I was startled out of my wits here! These people will give me a heart attack.

She flashes an apologetic smile, "Sorry for startling you."

"Did you just use teleportation?" I asked.

She nodded, "I had no idea where you are so I tracked you to make things easier and faster."

I nodded in understanding, "Okay. Why are you looking for me by the way?"

"We have something to talk about," she answers.

"Didn't you call for the Mythical Five?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Oh. So you knew them already. How did you know I called for them?"

"I bumped into them earlier and heard it," I simply responded.

"You're coming with us. This is about you after all," she says.

My forehead creases, "Me? What about me?"

She smiles, "Just come with us."

Mandy held both of my hands and before I could even ask again, everything around me suddenly spins and it feels like gravity is pulling me somewhere. The next thing I knew, I was already inside a room which I assumed was Mandy's office.

"Ivy?"

I snapped out of my still dazed thoughts when I heard Pixie's voice.

Sitting on the couch in front of Mandy's table are the Mythical Five, who are now staring at me with a mix of surprise and confused expressions.

"Uh... hi?" I awkwardly greeted them, unable to meet their gazes.

"Sit down, Celestia. I have something important to tell you," Mandy says.

Although I was still confused, I did as she says. I sat on the single couch just beside the Mythical Five, ignoring their stares at me.

"Sandy and Amy have something to do so they're unable to join us right now. I'll do all the talking. Listen carefully, okay?" Mandy starts.

"I know you guys were already informed about this by the headmaster but I still called all five of you so you can meet Celestia," Mandy says.

"So she's the one?" Kian asks.

Mandy nodded.

"The one? What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"Celestia," Mandy calls me. "Your mom visited my dream the day you woke up."

My eyes widened, "W-what did she say?"

"The evil witches are hunting you, sweetie," she responds. "And your mom says it's only a matter of time before they find out you're here."

My heart nearly drop at what she said, if she didn't quickly added;

"Don't worry too much, Celestia. Security here in the institute is impeccable. No one's able to enter and get past the security systems without getting caught. Also, we started a secret program specifically for you."

"Secret program?"

"I bet you knew about these five already," she says. "They're reliable. We all trust them. They have great skills and wonderful teamwork. That's why they ranked the highest here in the Institute and were called the 'Mythical Five'."

"This secret program was established to protect you here inside the Institute. I know I assured you that security here is tight, but who knows what desperation can do especially to the evil witches? This is just an additional security for you. I trust our Institute's security system, and I'm confident these five can protect you, as well as help you in your stay here. Not only will they keep you safe here, all of you will also train together from now on, and I want you all to stick together. You're aware of how powerful you are, right? They can help you with that."

"Did... did you tell them?" I reluctantly asked in a small voice.

"No, don't worry. Just that you're a hybrid," she replies which made me feel relieved.

"Also, we kept this as a secret because we didn't want your identity to get leaked, as well as to start a panic here inside the Institute."

"Mandy..." I trailed off. "I know already about why you're helping me, but is this really necessary? I mean, it's such an inconvenience to them, and it might put them in danger too..."

"There's one more thing I haven't told you, Celestia."

My brows furrowed at the tone of her voice.

"You think these students will simply agree to the program just because we asked them for a favor? When they're also students here?"

I remained silent, waiting for what's going to say next.

Mandy heaves out a sigh before approaching me and holding both of my shoulders. She stared right into my eyes and said;

"Celestia..." She trails off in a soft voice. "The future of this realm is in your hands, sweetie. If the evil witches manage to get you, it will be the end for all of us."