(Zelda's POV)

I entered the classroom and sat next to some students in the same class as me, and as I turned my head, I noticed Oliver. Ugh, he looks so smug, reading his book. The picture of a perfect student. What was I even thinking anyway? There's no way I could be an average student. Not when there's some competition to knock down a peg or two and smug looks to wipe off said competition's perfectly handsome face.

Wait, Whoa, WHAT? Did I think that? Where did that come from just now?

"Um, new girl. I don't think I have seen anyone glare at Oliver that hard before; my name is Brooke." Brooke smiled.

"I wasn't staring at him; I spaced out a bit," I said. "Zelda, my name is Zelda,"

"No need to deny it. I respect it. The boy doesn't need any more googly eyes at him; I mean, look at the others." Brooke giggled.

I looked at the girls on the other side of the classroom, and I think I saw one of them drooling. Oh, goddess, he's not THAT interesting. "Okay, I see what you mean. But no, you will not see me making 'googly' eyes at him. What's the deal with Oliver anyway? Why all this obsession with him? Let me guess first. He's a real casanova, a player that sleeps with every woman he comes across and forgets their name afterward." I said.

"With a face like that, it's easy to assume he is, but he's always turned down everyone that's asked him out. No one is sure if he's gay or straight, with how disinterested he comes off as," Brooke says.

"Let me guess again, he's the bad boy of Elysium, isn't he? Always getting detention and fights with other students, talking back to teachers during class, and terrorizing the poor little freshman?" I smiled.

"Hahaha, that's a funny one. Oliver is the Elysian Council President. I don't think I've ever seen him get detention. Oliver Nightingale is a model student, to say the least." Brooke smiled.

"Third time's the charm. He's a total teacher's pet. A total kissass, an overachiever, and the type to sabotage another student to always stay on top." I hissed.

"Well, Zelda, he's been the top student of Elysium since our freshman year, and almost every teacher says Oliver is one of the most brilliant students that Elysium has seen in close to a century. He is humble, though, and he also tutors other students," Brooke said.

I banged my head on the desk. "I give up."

"It's alright, Zelda, but what interaction did you have with him that made you come up with the impression you have? Honestly, Oliver is a loner and always has been since freshman year, and he only hangs out with Corvin and Jax despite all his admirers." Brooke said.

I tilted my head at Brooke. "Why are you not an admirer?" I asked her.

"Because I have already sworn my heart to my boyfriend." Brooke blushed. "We plan on building a farm together, and the whole school is buzzing about you, you know," Brooke said.

"Many perks of being the new girl in town, I guess." I shrugged. "The talk will die down eventually, and they'll find another topic to gossip about."

"Well, it's more about who you talked to last night, Zelda," Brooke said.

"Well, they're gossiping over nothing then," I said with annoyance. "Ugh, I hate rumors,"

"Sorry for the delay, class." Professor Portman said to the class while he was walking into the classroom. "There was a bit of a mishap this morning with Professor Cutty getting his head stuck in one of the plants in the greenhouse. But don't worry, he's okay. Headmistress Caroline will cancel the botany class for the rest of the day. Anyway, let's get started with today's lesson!"

Professor Portman got behind his desk and used magic to write on the whiteboard. "Who can recall where we left off last Friday?"

Everyone saw Oliver raise his hand. "We were going over the properties and theory of banishment, Professor."

"Correct, Oliver. Banishment is one of the most advanced forms of Abjuration. It allows the caster to remove unwanted spirits and entities from the immediate area," Professor Portman said.

"Will we be able to practice this magic, Professor?" said one of my classmates.

"I'm afraid not. I know this is a defensive class, and while I prefer a more hands-on approach, banishment is dangerous to attempt now. I want you all to understand how it works before testing it out. Can anyone tell us why it's so important that we first study its principles?

I raised my hand. "Yes, Zelda." My time to shine, guys. "Let's see what insight our new addition to Elysium can shed, shall we?" Professor Portman smiled.

"Banishment, as you mentioned, Professor, is an advanced form of magic in Abjuration. Casting the spell drains energy from the caster's body, regardless of the outcome. You must be strategic when knowing when to use it. The castor must be skilled to banish an opponent to another location successfully. If they're not, it will risk running all sorts of unpredictable risks during a fight, like leaving a wide opening for the opponent to attack you if the banishment isn't successful." I explained.

"Well done, Zelda. Does anyone care to weigh in on that?" Professor Portman said.

"I do, Professor," Oliver said.

"Go ahead, Oliver." Professor Portman nodded as I growled softly. Now, what is he going to say?

"While Miss Cromwell's answer was thorough, she missed one crucial detail. While fatigue is a danger to the caster, it's the fact that another dangerous outcome would be how inaccurate their banishment ends up being. They could send the subject accidentally to an unintended location, which could endanger innocent and unsuspecting bystanders or worse, a location that threatens themselves or their allies more than previously." Oliver said and smirked when he finished talking.

"You are most certainly correct--" But I interrupted him. I was about to blow my top. I will gladly fight him in a battle of smarts and academics.

"Well, if we're going to get into specifics here, what would be the most significant danger for the opponent? Isn't it more likely to be a classmate? Oliver is making it sound like we would somehow risk accidentally unleashing a minotaur or a chimera. We wouldn't want to risk sending each other to the middle of the ocean or inside an active volcano, now would we?" I glared at Oliver. I could hear the student murmuring.

"That's true, but--" But then Oliver spoke.

"That's ridiculous. Why are you so sure we'd be sure about practicing magic in class with one another? Professor Portman could decide to bring in creatures instead for a more authentic learning experience." Oliver roared.

"That's a beautiful suggestion, Oliver--" Professor Portman said while trying to break us up without success.

"What?! How could you think that using unsuspecting creatures for our experiments makes any sense?" I said to Oliver.

"Oh, sure, because endangering our fellow peers makes way more sense," Oliver said with his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I never said that!" I yelled. "I think practicing banishment should be done in a controlled environment and under the strictest conditions to prevent accidents and only after proving our theoretical knowledge," I said.

"What's knowledge without action, Miss Cromwell?" Oliver said. "What's the point of learning defensive spells without situations that mimic threat?

(One Hour Later)

"Well, that wraps it up for today, and don't forget to bring me your assignment by the end of the week, and Zelda, do you have a moment to talk before our next class?" Professor Portman said.

"Zelda, find me at lunch later if you wanna sit together," Brooke said as she left the classroom.

I walked to Professor Portman's desk. "You wanted to speak to me?" I said.

"I wanted to check in and see how you're doing. That was quite the display during class." Professor Portman laughed.

"I hope I wasn't too much," I said nervously.

"Not at all, Zelda. You were impressive, and I'm proud of you for not holding back. It would help if you allowed yourself to enjoy your final school year. Also, it's refreshing having another student so engaged in class for once. Perhaps you and Oliver might become friends, and he's a bright student like yourself." Professor Portman smiled.

I never told him that Oliver would become The Nightingale. I had no reason to tell him since I didn't know he'd be in school during the mid-2020s. I should keep this to myself until we can talk in private so I can bring it up. "I'm not too concerned about making friends. I want to focus on finding a solution to my problem, you know?"

"Yes, and I will do everything I can to help you find that solution, but I meant it when I said that you should live your life while you're here. Neither of us knows exactly how you ended up here or how long you may have to stick around because of it. So you might as well take your words of wisdom to heart and keep moving forward," Professor Portman said.

"My own words of wisdom?" I said, looking puzzled.

"Yes, what you said to Professor Luma yesterday afternoon left an impression on me." Professor Portman smiled.

"Oh. I said that to play with our cover story. I didn't mean anything by it." I shrugged.

"But that doesn't make it any less accurate. I'm not saying to give up the hope of returning to 2077, Zelda. But try to keep an open mind while you're here." Professor Portman said with a smile.

Wow, he seems to care about my well-being. But he does have a point. "Okay, I'll try," I nodded. "I should get to my next class now. I'll see you later."

I started walking to my next class until I noticed the bulletin board. There were several posters. A poster wanted people to join the Young Witch and Wizards Club to safely discuss and advocate for current social issues. We had this club in my time too, and I'm glad to know how long it has existed. Another poster was about a student from the Honestus Circle losing his Bearded Dragon named Ordovus. I hope they are reunited soon. I saw another post about tutoring students; I used to tutor others during my free time, and I probably won't be able to help others this year with my current situation. I then noticed a calendar of events for this year, and I took it off the board and placed it in my bag. It might come in handy.

I gasped when I saw the poster for the 408th Crystalline Gala that will take place on December 20th. It is one of the most anticipated events at Elysium every year. It's open to all students, alumni, and the magical community. I heard the bell ring. Crap, I need to head to class.

(Later That Day)

I was sitting with Brooke at lunch when we heard a man shout for Brooke.

"Oh no. It's Jax." Brooke groaned.

"HEY, BROOKLYN," Jax then waved at her. "BROOKIE OVER HERE!" I started to laugh when Brooke gave Jax the middle finger.

"And he's running over here," I said as we got up from our seats and comforted him as Oliver came up behind him.

"I told you to stop giving me nicknames, Jax. What did I tell you?" Brooke said.

"Hm, I don't remember," Jax said.

"Then allow me to refresh your memory. It's strictly forbidden. So, stop calling me Brookie after the damn combination between a brownie and a cookie!" Brooke growled.

"But Brookie, you'll warm up to your nickname soon; I want to introduce myself to your new friend. A pleasure to meet you, Zelda Cromwell." Jax said. "Jackson Prescott at your service," He then bowed to me.

"Ew, Jax. Don't you fucking dare?" Brooke said.

"What? I'm just being friendly," Jax said.

"Sure, 'friendly' Oh, please," Brooke scoffed. "Like the kind of 'friendly' of me catching you fucking that Gratius girl's brains out last night? There isn't enough bleach in this world to erase the horrors I witnessed you doing to her as she was screaming, 'OH GODDESS' in pleasure. My mind is forever unclean,"

"Are you jealous, Brooke?" Jax said with a smirk. "Don't worry; Daddy Prescott has a lot of lovin' to go around," Jax said.

"Do you want to get hexed right now? I will happily do it, and the hex will ensure you will never get an erection." Brooke said before turning to face Zelda. "Zelda, let's go. I can't get detention this early in the school year." Brooke said as she left, and Jax chased after her, leaving Oliver and me alone.

"Sooo. Nice weather we're having." I said awkwardly.

"Yeah, for sure. Perfect for stargazing," Oliver said while rubbing his arm. What the fuck is he even saying right now?

"Yeah. I should ensure that Brooke doesn't kill your friend. See ya." I said.

(Later That Night)

After I made sure Brooke didn't kill or seriously injure Jax, I cozied up in my favorite corner of the Intuitus Student Lounge at the end of the day. Warmth and bliss bloom inside me at the discovery that it looks and feels exactly as I've always known it. Although my classmates and fellow circle members are different here and now, the sounds of their conversations and laughter are all the same. Exchanges about school sports and class reports, hushed whispers of names of crushes, and fits of laughter over pranks and shared jokes. If I closed my eyes for a moment, I could mistake these voices for the same ones I grew up in 2077. I know they're not, but I find comfort in it anyway.

I took the time to know everyone's names without getting to know them too much. "Hey, Kelli, there's going to be an announcement about The Trials this week," Cade said.

"Oh, who cares, Cade." Kelli scoffed.

"Kelli, this type of competition is made for warriors like us. You seem to forget what a great honor it is to come from our clan," Cade said.

"I haven't forgotten; I just choose not to hold onto the same silly reverence for them as you do," Kelli said.

"Your father would be disappointed to hear that," Cade said.

"Yeah, well, my father expects too much. It's a shame I was born his daughter, and you weren't born as his son," Kelli said.

"Don't say that, Kelli. The Moon Goddess made you his daughter for a reason. Both of them see greatness in you as I do. It would be fantastic if we both got to represent Intuitus in The Trials."

"I have no interest in joining, Cade. All this talk about my dad and clan honor is tiring, so I'm heading to my dorm now. I'll see you in class." Kelli left as Cade ran after her.

"Kelli, wait! Please don't go yet," Cade said.

I feel like I was accidentally eavesdropping on something very private. Kelli seemed very upset. I hope she's okay. I should get back to minding my own business and back to my reading.

Before my eyes could return to my book, I was in a green pasture. "What the hell?!" Where am I? I walked until I tripped and fell on someone, and that someone was Oliver. "What the fuck! Oliver?" I said

Oliver groaned. "Do you mind getting off me?" I did as he asked, and I helped him up. He looked around and started looking at me with disgust. "Oh, great. What have you done now? Where are we?

Is he for real right now? I'm just as clueless as he is about this situation. "You have a lot of nerve, Oliver! Is there a reason you're always so quick to blame me?" I said.

"Well, you've always been there whenever something weird has happened lately. I think it's safe to assume it's your fault," Oliver snarled.

"Well, sorry to burst your little bubble, but I have no idea what is going on either. So, whenever you're finished being a grouch, maybe we can work together to figure this out," I said.

"Oh, I'm a grouch?" Oliver scoffed.

"Truly, the biggest one I've ever had the displeasure of meeting," Oliver's face was contorting with rage. "Don't give me that look; there's no way this is the first time anyone's said that to you,"

"Not to my face, at least," Oliver shrugged. We both laughed. "Okay, let's figure out where we are now."

"Yeah, I looked around a bit and didn't recognize where we were," I said.

"Haven't you only been at Elysium for a day or two?" Oliver asked me. "How would you know whether you recognize anyone outside or not?"

"Well, I haven't caught sight of the castle in the distance anywhere. It seemed like an obvious indicator that we must be nowhere near the school," I said.

"Oh, that makes sense. I guess I haven't gotten a chance to look around yet." Oliver looked around and vanished into thin air.

"Oliver?! You asshole!" I screamed. "Did you just leave me here in the middle of nowhere?"

I found myself in the lounge again. Wait, was I asleep the whole time? What a strange dream.

Oliver is going to be the death of me.

------------------------------

(Oliver's POV)

(Before Oliver went to Bed)

I was in my dorm room reading the book about ancient magic that Corvin gave me, and he was right. I do have a bond with Zelda Cromwell. The book says that our magic can be strengthened because of this bond. I should feel happy about that, shouldn't I?

If only it weren't tied directly to another person, though. I can't be tethered to someone else like this. It poses too much of an unpredictable factor. Something that I can't account for or have under my control, and I don't like that.

I heard someone knocking on my door, and as I opened it, I let Jax into my room. "What's going on, Jax?" I smiled.

"You know, nothing much. I just wanted to check on my buddy," Jax said, as my happy face turned annoyed.

"Jax, just tell me what you want?" I said.

"I'm hurt that you think the only reason I'm here is that I want something," Jax started to fake cry.

"Oh, so you don't want anything?" I crossed my arms.

"I'm here to ask a question. I was wondering how likely I would get away with sneaking onto the girls' dorm floor and how much detention I would get if I got caught." Jax asked me.

"Why are you asking me if I'm some expert on this?" I said, taken aback.

"Because you are the Student Council President and have the entire student handbook memorized. I'm right, aren't I?" Jax said.

"OLIVER!!!" Jax yelled as I pushed him out of my room.

Ugh, I need a nap.