Headmaster asks. Nobody protests, knowing that this is the reason behind our intense training. We have been taught to fear the outside world, yet we are all eager to experience it from outside the academy walls. “Great. Let’s get started.”
Chapter 3
We are each given a means to hide our true selves and blend into human societies. What we wear is disgusting and inhumane. I wonder why it is necessary. Is it common for people to dress in such filthy clothing? We are given the proper clothing and sent to a group dressing room to change. In the midst of changing, I notice the vampire’s eyes locked on my marking, but ignore him completely. We must learn to coexist with one another, and scolding him for looking at my marking is no way to make a friend.
Once we are wearing our intentionally soiled clothing and back inside the Headmaster’s office, the Elite magician gives us each a list of ingredients we need to fetch. He appears to be uptight and unfriendly with his round glasses and immaculate posture. He looks down his nose at each of us as though we are here simply to serve him. “It is exceedingly important that you get each of these components,” the magician says. “Locater spells are challenging and I need each of these ingredients to get it right.”
I look at my small note card and read each of the ingredients. Witch’s spell book, demon’s spirit, ogre’s tear (small capsule), troll’s tooth x3. “How are we supposed to find all of these things?” I ask anxiously.
“That’s not my problem,” the magician says obnoxiously. “Just get everything in three days.” My initial judgment was correct. He is an uptight prick and I scoff at the tone he uses. He can’t order us around like we are objects.
“Wait, why in three days?” The vampire asks with a stiff tone.
“There is a full moon in three days. It’s the only time I can do the spell in the next month,” he responds as if the answer to the question is overly obvious.
The Headmaster makes sure the magician is secured in his office before he escorts us to the front door of the academy. No non-graduated student has left the confines of the building’s walls for years, so as we walk through the doors in our disguises, I look back at the building in awe. It’s unkempt with moss growing up the side of all four walls. From the outside, it looks like a stone palace surrounded by lively, overgrown trees and bushes. It is a fortress of nature and I am unable to look away from the scene. The school is breathtaking.
We have three days to conclude our journey, and I’m unsure if we can find the ingredients in double that time.
Chapter 4
We walk down the desolate streets of the outside world and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. We had learned in our history classes that The Great War had destroyed the majority of the United States and laid the ground for what soon became The Western Nation. I saw pictures of the world as it used to be, but not what it has become. Seeing it now is devastating.
The buildings are all either concaved or rustic and worn. Compared to the Academy, everything else is outdated and revolting. People sit on the street with filth covering their faces and torn clothing hiding their bodies. Nobody looks pleased with how their lives have progressed, so I attempt to mimic their expressions. A person with adventure in their eyes demands attention in a crowd of people who have given up on their lives.
I wonder if they are all human.
“I never got your names,” I say to the small group as we walk down the street. I need a distraction.
“I’m Domino Elvy,” the pixie introduces. Looking at her now, I realize that she is unusual for a fairy. She’s petite and childlike, but she is tall. Most pixies are tiny by nature. “I’m twelve,” she says as though it’s an accomplishment to be such a young age.
Nobody else speaks as we continue to walk through the street. I roll my eyes and look at Domino, who is strutting by
Learning to Kill: Stories