Chapter 6: Eudora
I haven't told anyone about what happened during my magic exam. Last night, Gia went on and on about her exams from the day and it made it easy for me to get away with not saying much about mine. We decided to opt out of having dinner in the dining hall, and instead just grabbed some sandwiches to eat in our common room.
When we enter the dining room for breakfast the next morning, I notice the five professors from the placement interview sitting at a long table in the back of the room. In front of each professor, is a sign with a portion of the alphabet on it.
"They must be handing out our schedules!" Gia squeals. She grabs my hand and pulls me to the table where the professors sit. We wait together in the K-O line. When we reach the front of the line, the professor with a long gray beard is the one who, without a word, hands us our schedules. I resist the urge to look at my schedule right away, because we need to get out of the way of the rest of the 1st years who are still waiting for their schedules. I spot Jayden and Aren, along with their suitemates, sitting at a table nearby, so I lead Gia, who already has her nose buried in her schedule, over to the table. As soon as I sit down, Gia looks up at me in shock.
"I got into the medical program and I've been placed in the magic class."
"Holy shit that's amazing!" I throw my arms around her. My touch breaks her out of her shock and she returns my hug bouncing us up and down in our seats.
"I can't believe it! This is a dream. Pinch me." She cries into my hair. I pull back from her and pinch her thigh.
"Ouch!" She shouts and then laughs, "Okay, I'm definitely not dreaming. Thanks. What program did you get into?" I glance down at my schedule and look it over, a smile stretching across my face.
"I got put into the leadership program and I am also in the magic class." I squeal. Gia grabs my schedule from me and compares it to hers.
"It looks like we have most of our classes together! We have history, health, general education, and magic together. The only class we don't have together is when you have a shifting class, I'll be in my intro to biology class. I wonder why you don't have any leadership classes yet?" Gia purses her lips with thought.
"First semester is mostly just core curriculum classes that are unrelated to your program." Aren's answer startles me. I was so wrapped up in Gia and my schedules that I forgot we were at a table full of people.
"Oh yeah, I think the orientation professor mentioned that." Gia responds.
I turn and address Max, Koda, and Kaden, my brother's 1st year suitmates, "So other than the required 1st year classes, do any of you have classes with us?"
Koda excitedly responds, "Max was placed in the magic class!" My eyes flick over to the mountain of a man sitting next to Koda.
"Wow, three 1st years that we know of are in the magic class. That has to be a record." Ryland interjects. "Aren and I are the only 2nd year students in that class, and there is only one 3rd year."
"So you are in magic class?" I ask looking over at Ryland.
"Yes, do you want to study together? It would be my honor to spend many, many, one on one study sessions together." Ryland gives me a heart fluttering crooked grin.
"Keep it in your pants Ryland, she's my sister." Jayden growls.
"Of course Jay, I wouldn't dream of disrespecting your sister." Even though the words are directed towards Jayden, Ryland keeps his eyes on me the whole time and winks.
After eating, Gia, Kaden, Koda, Max and I make our way to our first class of the day, history. I take my assigned seat next to Kaden.
"Are you looking forward to your first class at Tremont Academy?" Koda asks, leaning around Kaden.
"Yes, are you?"
"Yes, this academy is known for its challenging classes, so it won't be a walk in the park. Hopefully, we won't have too much homework though, there are so many things I want to do. I heard the waves at the campus beach are perfect for surfing. Maybe I'll join the surf club. Are there any clubs that you are interested in?"
"I don't know if I am going to join a club. I want to see what the class load will be like first."
"Kaden, are you planning on joining any clubs? I think you'd be well suited for the clown club." Kaden grimaces and looks at me indignantly.
"Is there really a clown club here?" Koda looks excited at the idea.
"I don't know. There are like a hundred clubs, so it is possible.
The room falls silent when a middle aged woman enters. She is short with light brown curly hair and a serious expression. I recognize her as the professor who gave us the general aptitude test.
"Hello and welcome to History of Shifters. In this class, we will be covering the ancient history of shifters, up through the modern age of peace. Today, we will be starting at the beginning. This history of how shifters came to be is surrounded by myths and mystery, but all sources tell the same basic story. The moon goddess came down from the heavens to earth, where she traveled all over the globe. During her travels, she befriended five animals. She gave these five animals the ability to shift into human form." Professor Ricklin finishes her quick summary and writes on the white board at the front of the classroom, 'Why create shifters?'. Once she finishes writing she turns and addresses the class. "Now, does anyone have any idea why the moon goddess chose to create shifters?" No one raises their hands. Professor Ricklin waits a beat and then walks over to her desk and picks up the class roster. She reads down the list of names and then calls, "Cassidy. What are your thoughts?"
"No one knows for sure, since we can't ask the goddess herself." A girl speaks from the middle of the class, "but I think she gave the original 5 shifters the ability to shift because she was lonely traveling the world by herself. I imagine she fell in love with these animals during her travels and she wanted to communicate with them." Professor Ricklin walks over to the white board and writes the words 'Communication' and 'Love'. She looks down again at the class list she still holds in her hand.
"Good, James, do you have anything to add?"
"Maybe she saw how strong the humans were getting, since they had weapons, and she wanted to give animals more power." Professor Ricklin nods her head and writes 'Power' on the board.
"That is also a common theory. At the time the goddess would have been walking the earth, humans would have been the dominant species. Vampires, witches, wizards, ghosts and all the other species were still hidden from humans. Humans still have the highest population, but they live alongside us now. Many believe the goddess was worried the humans would get too powerful and destroy all other living creatures."
I raise my hand and wait for the Professor to call on me. "What if she wanted to create something her own? She saw this beautiful planet and wanted to leave her mark. She became the mother of shifters and their guiding force."
Professor Ricklin writes 'create' on the board.
Koda raises his hand and Professor Ricklin nods giving him permission to speak. "What if it wasn't about power, what if it was more pity?"
"Go on" Professor Ricklin gives Koda an encouraging smile.
"Being in animal form can be limiting... It is hard to write and communicate outside your pack. It is also hard to build and invent. What if the goddess saw these limitations, and was giving the animals more opportunities to grow as a society."
Professor Ricklin writes on the board 'society growth'.
A hand goes up from the front of class and Professor Ricklin calls on that student, "I know we are discussing why the moon goddess created shifters, but I've always wondered, how she created shifters?"
"I can't pretend to understand how the goddesses power works, but an ancient inscription archaeologist found describing the origins of shifters states, 'The animals drank from her and stood in the form of the goddess for a night. They drank more deeply and stood in her form with their own domination.' Many historians believe this means she shared a small part of her body, maybe a hair or some spit to turn animals temporarily, but in order for them to have control over their own shifts they had to drink her blood."
Another student's hand shoots into the air and he speaks before he is called on. "Drink her blood, like vampires do?"
"Please wait until I call on you." Professor Ricklin chides, "It's not unsimilar to that. When vampires drink human blood, they are stealing some of the human's life force. I'm sure the shifters weren't biting her, and drinking from her though. She probably fed them a single drop of her blood. A goddess's blood is extremely powerful, so a little bit of it would be enough."
Another student raises their hand and waits for the professor to call on them.
"What about after she gave up her divinity? How was she still able to create shifters?"
"She gave up her godliness and took on the weaknesses of the human body. She, however, still had her goddess powers. She was probably weaker, since she now had a human body, but she was still more powerful than any earthly creature." Professor Ricklin looks at the clock and wraps up class. "For your homework this week, I want you to write a paper about the ways the creation of shifters changed society for humans. You may take the rest of class to start."
Once the bell rings signaling the 15 minute break between classes, Professor Rickling leaves. The next class the 1st years have is Health, and it is held in the same classroom.
Gia, Koda and I mill about the classroom, stretching our legs and chatting. I introduced Gia and Koda at lunch yesterday, and I was happy when they got along immediately. The break passes quickly, and before we know it, it is time to retake our seats for the next class.
Professor Hastings enters the room, "Please find your seats." He walks over to the desk and places his briefcase on it. "Hello and welcome to Health Class." He opens his briefcase and pulls out a pile of papers. He hands the stack to the student at the front of the class, who immediately starts passing them around. When I receive mine, I see that it is a syllabus. "This class covers physical health, reproduction, and the species physical differences. Today we will be discussing the most important topic for all shifters, reproduction. As you all know, the shifter species has been struggling for hundreds of years to maintain its population. Around 100 years ago, shifters learned they could mate with humans, and that is the only reason why shifters still exist. It took so long for shifters to mate with humans, because there was a lot of hatred between the two species. You'll learn about all of that in your history classes. We are going to focus on how shifters are able to mate with non-shifters and how that differs from mating with other shifters." Professor Hastings looks exhausted as he continues, "Typical mating for shifters happens after a mate is chosen from the potential mate strings. The shifters have to mutually choose each other in order for the mating to work. For an out of species mating there aren't any potential mate strings. If a shifter chooses to form a mate bond with a different species they perform the mating ritual without the guidance of a string." Gia raises her hand. "Yes Gia?"
"What is the mating ritual?" I look around and notice most of the guys in our class look embarrassed.
"Once a pair has chosen each other, they have a formal ceremony, which was heavily influenced by the humans, after which, under the light of a full moon and being watched by the other suitors or spectators, the pair connect physically and then mark each other." Professor Hastings answers. "The ritual is the same for out of species matings. Other than not having potential mating strings guiding their relationships, the biggest difference is that non-shifters, humans, vampires, witches, and all the other species cannot feel or be affected by shifter pheromones. All shifters have pheromones, and the more powerful the pheromones a shifter has the more powerful their shift is. All shifters are required to take a shifter class, the level of which is determined by the strength of the shifters pheromones. The strength of a shifter's pheromones are usually genetic, but can be strengthened through training and dedication. Getting to the level of an alpha is something only a few shifters succeed at. Pheromones don't just play a role in the strength of shifters, they also play a role in mating. Female shifters go into their first heat leading up to their 22 birthday, and after that they go into heat for one day once a month. During heat a female shifter's pheromones call to all unmated shifters, and drives them crazy with lust. The strength of the call depends on the strength of the pheromones of the female. Unmated female shifters must stay away from unmated shifters who are attracted to them while they are in heat. Children can only be conceived when a female shifter is in heat. Non-shifters, on the other hand, have an ovulation cycle that they need to track themselves." I blush, and I can feel the eyes of my classmates on me. I am the only female shifter in class, so this lesson very much applies to me.
"What about arranged marriages?" A student seated in the middle of the classroom asks.
"Arranged marriages are very rare, but for them, they only happen if the pair ends up developing a string. No one can force two shifter's without a string to mate."
"Do you have to be mated to conceive?" A young looking boy with blue hair in the front row asks.
"No, and I am alarmed you didn't already know that. We may have a population issue, but we don't need any kids running around these halls." He looks disappointed at the student who asked the question. "Please, everyone, use a condom. Nurse Stone has them in her office. Now, if you all turn to the last page of your syllabus, you will find a list of other forms of birth control. If you are interested in any of these birth control methods, please see the nurse and she will make sure you get whatever you need. If you think this doesn't apply to you just because you only have same sex couplings, you are wrong. Protection can prevent the spread of STDs and it is very important for everyone to use." Professor Hastings continues his lecture until a bell signals the end of class. As I walk past Professor Hastings, he calls me over.
"Has anyone spoken to you about what to expect as your coming of age approaches?"
"Yes, Nurse Stone has already filled me in."
Professor Hastings visibly relaxes. "Thank goddess. It's probably for the best that you got the rundown from another woman. Nurse Stone is very knowledgeable. She is a good resource for you to have during this time."
"Thank you for making sure I am prepared."
"No problem."
James is waiting for me as I exit the health class. "Hey, a bunch of people are celebrating the start of classes with a bonfire tomorrow. Would you want to go… with me?" He asks. I am surprised that the usually confident guy seems nervous.
"Yeah I'd love to go! Can I bring my roommate Gia?" James no longer looks nervous and he flashes me his trademark cocky grin.
"Of course, the more the merrier."
"Thanks!" I smile.
"I'll pick you up at 8."
I grab a quick lunch with the usual group, and then make my way to my last class of the day, shifting. I was surprised when Leon informed me that he was going to be in the same shifting class as me, but I am glad that I get to spend more time with him. He is the only one of my brother's new suitemates, that isn't a first year. When we arrive at the small athletics room, there are a few other 1st years milling around. A large, beefy, older man is already in the room waiting for all of the students.
Before I can walk over to Leon he shouts, "Line up!" I quickly find my way to a red line on the floor and line up shoulder to shoulder with my classmates. The large beefy man starts pacing in front of us like a drill sergeant, "I am professor Clark and this is shifting level 1. There are 4 shifting levels. Level 1 is for shifters who struggle to control their shifts or can't shift, level 2 is for shifters that have control, but still have weaker shifts, level 3 is for the average shifter. Most shifters fall into level 3. Level 4 is for the exceptional shifters. These shifters are extremely powerful and extremely rare. In this class, we will focus on how to control your pheromones to strengthen your shifts. Once you gain more control over your shifts, you will be moved up to shifting level 2. In other terms, shifting level 4 are the alphas, level 3 are the betas, level 2 are the omegas, and level 1, well, you guys are the runts." He looks around and sees all of our dejected faces. "Don't be upset, because I don't plan on letting any of you stay that way for long."
I am glad when I get partnered with Leon. I take my position across the room to him, then to my surprise he starts stripping. I look around in shock to see that all of the other students are also taking their clothing off. I look down at the stiff material of my school uniform, and I know it makes sense that students wouldn't keep it on during shifter class, but I didn't think about it ahead of time. Being naked is not unusual for shifters, since clothing tends to get destroyed whenever a shift happens. Some people choose to wear stretchy clothing that can handle their form changing, but many others opt to just not wear clothing at all. Nudity is not illegal in any of the kingdoms, though shifters do make an effort to wear clothing when they leave shifter towns. Even though nudity is common, at my father's estate, everyone wore clothing. The only time I saw naked people was when my mother was allowed to take me into town for an outing. In the military, I was the only shifter in my troop, so none of them spent much time naked. I was fine with seeing naked people, but I wasn't comfortable yet being naked so publically, especially not in front of all guys.
"Since I haven't shifted yet, may I keep my clothing on?" I ask Professor Clark.
"Whatever makes you comfortable." He responds.
"Are you shy?" Leon asks me and I turn to him.
"A little." I blush and play with the tip of my ponytail.
"Well don't be! We are all here to get stronger. If you don't want to be nude, we can get you some stretchy clothing depending on the size of your shift."
I smile at that, picturing myself as a large wolf in a pink tank top and leggings. "I think I would look ridiculous if I shifted in clothing."
"We could even get you a collar and a tiny backpack if you want. Isn't that how human's dress their dogs?"
"Oh shush!" I stick my tongue out at him and retake my place across the room from him.
Using and targeting my pheromones is something I practiced at home with Jayden and Aren, so it's easy for me to target Leon and force him into his seal form. Every time he shifts back into his human form, I send my pheromones at him, and he repeatedly fails to stop them. After 15 minutes we switch who is attacking with their pheromones and who is blocking. I have an unfair advantage in this exercise, because Leon will never be able to make me shift. I can feel his pheromones targeting me, but his strikes are sloppy and weak. Even if I could shift, I doubt this would have any effect on me.
"Try focusing your pheromones into one point and send that to me?" I suggest to Leon, repeating some advice my shift instructor used to tell to me, Jayden and Aren.
"Okay. How do I do that?"
"You're pheromones are just sort of drifting around me like a fog, try to tighten that fog into a small area to make it denser."
"Okay, I'll try." A few moments later I feel a slightly more substantial hit from his pheromones."
"Good, that was better!" We work together on improving the strength of his pheromone attacks for the rest of class, and I feel really good about the progress we make.