Misarre

Present

Outfit: School Uniform

"Finally, it's over... I'm famished," Xrallia declares with a groan.

"A hot bath followed by a meal sounds heavenly," Meadow remarks.

"You're telling me," Keno sighs.

"Well, overall, I found that class quite enjoyable," I say, oblivious to the lack of enthusiasm from everyone else.

"You lucked out. I'm the one who had to deal with the aftermath of your bold move with Uness," Xrallia says, arms crossed.

"Sorry bout' that," I interject, clasping my hands together in a plea.

We arrive at the dining hall to find a plethora of students relishing their meals and the camaraderie of others. The hall is adorned with vibrant flora, infusing the space with life. Tables are adorned with a lavish array of dishes from various cultures and cuisines. Natural light filters in alongside the soft glow of candles, casting a serene atmosphere over the room.

Page 2

"Wow, everything in this school is so extravagant," I remark, my gaze drifting around the room.

"Just wait until you see the bathrooms," Meadow replies, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Forget all that, let's just dig in," Xrallia interjects, hastening toward an empty table.

We follow her lead, eagerly piling our plates with an array of delicacies. As we savor our meals, conversation flows freely, revolving around the school, its professors, and fellow students.

"And what about him?" I inquire, gesturing towards a male with striking white hair.

"Selic? Oh, don't bother," Xrallia responds, pointing towards Meadow, who blushes slightly. "One, he's incredibly antisocial. Two, Meadow is head over heels for him."

"I just really like his vibe, that's all," Meadow whispers defensively.

"His vibe is as appealing as a rock. The guy hardly talks to anyone, and no one knows why," Xrallia retorts.

"He wasn't always like that. When we were young and attended the Conclave, he was always so eager to see us—talkative and kind. I wonder what changed," Keno muses, idly picking at his food.

"Doesn't matter, he's a total jerk now," Xrallia declares with a huff.

"No, he's not! Don't speak about him like that," Meadow interjects, her tone firm.

"Sorry... my bad," Xrallia concedes, raising her hands in defeat.

"Don't worry Meadow I have no intentions of thinking like that. I'm only here to improve my skills and become a better fighter." I say leaning back in my chair.

"You're not even slightly interested in romance?" Meadow inquires.

"Uh, no," I reply.

"But love is such a wonderful feeling, and having someone who can make you feel butterflies sounds so exciting!" Meadow exclaims, her smile infectious. The sound of Xrallia making gag noises causes me to burst out laughing.

"Anyways, let's get going before the showers get filled up," Xrallia announces, rising from her seat and disposing of her plate. We all follow suit, parting ways with Keno as he heads to the male bathrooms. Before heading to the showers, we stop by each other's rooms, grabbing clothes and checking out the unique features of our living spaces.

Entering the female dormitory bathrooms, a spacious sink area greets us, dividing the room. Rows of doors line the remainder of the space.

"Here we are!" Meadow chirps. "Each stall has all the essentials you'd need. Enjoy!" With that, she skips off to an open stall.

"See ya," Xrallia waves, already heading in another direction. I wave back before making my way to an available stall.

Inside, the atmosphere mirrors that of the Dining Hall. It's cozy, with a few windows allowing in natural light while still preserving the occupant's privacy.

An entire bathroom to myself?

I stride towards the tub, plugging the drain and twisting the hot water faucet. As steam fills the air, I shed my clothes, freeing the chain from my arm. A collection of scented soaps catches my eye beside the bath, and I opt for one labeled "Forest Pine".

Cracking open the lid, a potent scent of pine tickles my nostrils, prompting a sneeze.

Ah, smells like home.

I pour a generous amount of the soap into the water, watching as bubbles dance to the surface. Snagging a fresh washcloth, I ease myself into the steamy embrace of the bath, submerging until only half my face remains above water. A sudden recollection jolts me, and I begin to unravel the braids in my hair. As I do, my mind begins to wander...

It's surreal to think I'm in an entirely new city, a world away from where I began. The events that brought me here are still too incredible to comprehend. I can't wrap my head around it. Am I supposed to just carry on as if everything is normal? Who can I even turn to for help? Why would they leave like that?

Questions swirl in my mind like a tempest, threatening to engulf me in their relentless storm. As I sink deeper into the water, a desperate attempt to silence the noise of worries, I can't help but wonder if safety is but a fleeting illusion.

I just... need to know you're safe. the words echo in the depths of my consciousness, a plea born of fear and uncertainty. Is there really a force strong enough to drive you both away?

With a heavy heart, I shut my eyes, seeking solace in memories painted with brighter hues. I conjure the warmth of my mother's embrace and the melody of my father's laughter, their loving presence a balm to my troubled soul. In the recesses of my mind, I reach out to them, yearning for their comforting touch...

Suddenly, the tranquility is shattered by a sharp disturbance. A resounding splash rips through the silence, tearing me from my reverie. My eyes snap open, panic coursing through my veins as I grasp at the suffocating grip tightening around my neck. Two ghostly hands, translucent yet undeniably real, constrict my airway, squeezing the very life from me. I tug and thrash, desperate to break free from the merciless hold, my consciousness slipping away with each futile struggle.

The chain of my weapon swiftly encircles the arms of the unseen threat and binds them together. With a gasp of relief, I feel the grip loosen just enough for me to pry its fingers from my neck and break the surface, desperate for a lungful of air.

As I gulp down precious breaths, my eyes dart around the room, searching for any lingering presence. But there is nothing, only the echo of my own ragged breathing reverberating off the walls. Peering into the water, I find only the chain lying inert at the bottom of the tub. Hastily, I clamber out, wrapping myself in a towel and hastily donning clothes.

What in the world was that? Who the hell is messing with me?

With my hair bundled up in a towel, I drain the tub,  the chain obediently wraps itself back around my arm. I approach the mirror, scrutinizing my neck for any trace of the ordeal, but find nothing save for unblemished skin.

Surely not... Did that truly happen? I felt it, the chilling grip, the suffocating fear... I was certain I was about to meet my end...

Before I can dwell further on the unsettling events, a series of knocks shatter the silence, jolting me from my reverie.

"Hey, I hope you didn't drown in there? It's too early for me to be saving you life." Xrallia's voice rings out, laced with sarcasm.

Throwing the door open, I catch her off guard with my serious demeanor.

"As a matter of fact, yes," I reply.

She quirks an eyebrow, surveying me skeptically. "You seem perfectly fine to me."

"Someone or something tried to drown me," I assert, my tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Your kidding right?" she responds incredulously.

"I wish I were," I murmur solemnly.

Chapter 8 End