Please scroll down to the next post for part one!!! The chapter happens to be just too long~!

Chapter 40: Moments Defying Reality [Part Two]
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The wind beat strongly against Tiadora’s face, but she liked the feeling of her hair flying from the helmet. Jason knew that he was going faster than the speed limit, but first impressions, always count.

Unfortunately, the traffic in front was of no help. There were cars pilling up to a junction across three blocks away. Jason veered the bike to the pedestrian walkways where he carefully sped past people harmlessly. He felt Tiadora’s grip tighten around his waist, but instead of slowing down, he increase his speed higher. Soon, the bike bolted out of the town, and they were driving alone in a wide highway.

By this time, Tiadora was more than confused to where Jason was bringing her too. “Uhh, where are we going?” Tiadora tried saying from behind, her tone was a mixed of fear and uncertainty. “This is like a road in between thick forests.”

“We’re almost there! Woohoo!” Jason yelled as he did a sharp turn to the right and charged right through the forest. Millions of trees started to pass by in seconds. The road ahead was crowded with many plantations, but Jason managed to dodge every single tree perfectly.

Before long, the motorcycle slowed down, and eventually, Jason brought the bike to a halt. “We’re here,” he exclaimed and descended from the bike. “Love the ride?”

“It was rather…wild.” Tiadora gave an innocent smile as she scanned her surroundings. Everywhere were trees. “Can we not do that again?”

He sighed and apologized, “Sure. I’ll go slowly later on. Come. I want to show you something.”

Tiadora took his outstretched hand and too, descended from the bike.

For about five minutes, Jason pulled Tiadora deeper into the forest. Tiadora was really confused, but then she started to notice that the section of the forest that they were in was much less dense. There were fewer trees, and more ground. That was when they reached a cave. It looked like the dark abyss inside. “What I’m going to show you is much deeper in this cave,” Jason turned back and assured. “And we’ll get wet.”

“I don’t understand,” Tiadora admitted when Jason started to walk inside, still holding her hand.

Jason just winked with a smile, “Trust me.”

As they walked inside, Jason balled his right fist and flames blaze from his hand, lighting the way in the narrow cave. The stony ceiling was grey, filled with vines and even insects crawled aimlessly. By the state the walls we in, Tiadora didn’t dare look at the floor. Soon, Jason stopped and placed his hand on the side of the wall. A tiny section of the wall sunk in, and on the left side, the wall twisted a full hundred and eighty degrees, showing an opening. Jason smiled and entered the opening. Tiadora followed slowly.

But it was only after ten steps; Jason stopped again and turned back to Tiadora and urged her to seeing what he was pointing at. What Tiadora saw was…nothing.

The ground that they were walking on, didn’t continue from where they now stand. It was just an empty void. “I want you to hold my hand tight,” Jason tighten his grip on her hand and gave a reassuring smile. “When I give you the signal, take a deep breath and jump with me.”

When Tiadora nodded, Jason positioned himself at the very edge of the ground and swayed his hands. “1…2…” Jason huffed. “And jump!”

Although unsure, Tiadora jumped into the black void, and water hit her in the face.

Underneath, was all water, and Tiadora froze in shock, looking around. The water was of a distasteful foggy green colour. It took her quite some time to get her bearings right but Jason tore her from her trance and started swimming north. Tiadora tried paddling and held onto his hand.

Leading the way, after swimming upfront for a couple of seconds, Jason dived in far down. With the blurry vision, Tiadora realized that there was a wall blocking their way like a dead end, but as Jason swam downwards, she could see an opening at the bottom. Jason swam through the opening and before long they reached another spacious water area.

Unlike previously, the water felt fresher, crystal clear blue, and cold. It was a freezing cold sensation that itched her body and she also realized that it wasn’t as spacious as she thought. Tiadora could see the ending walls not far away from her position, and unlike the ones from just ones which were grey blackish walls, the water cavern was pure white.

While gripping onto her hand, Jason swam upwards and finally, Tiadora broke to the surface. Jason quickly urged Tiadora to grip onto the floor and get out of the water. Tiadora held onto the surprisingly smooth floor and willed herself out of the cold water. After she was out, Jason, too, emerged from the water and sat on the floor beside Tiadora, both soaking wet.

Tiadora was still facing the water, and this time it looked like a large pond. The walls were white and clean, almost as if it was glass. Even the floor she was sitting was white. The place had a cooling ambience, a totally opposite feeling with the interior of the cave. “Where…” Tiadora panted from the swimming. “Are we?”

“Look behind you,” Jason stood up, guiding Tiadora along with him and turned around.

And when she did, Tiadora laid her eyes on the world’s shiniest objects. Engraved high above the walls were crystals, lots of crystals ranging from all types of colours and irregular shapes. There was even another opening that led to another enclosed white room full of crystals. From the bottom of the walls to the dome-ceiling high above were covered with nothing but all the colourful crystals. Tiadora stared in amazement as each crystal shone brightly, “Wow! There’re more crystals here than from my own treasury chambers…How…how did you find this?”

“Oh yes, I forgot that you were a real princess,” Jason chuckled, and sucked in the cool air. “It was entirely by accident.”

“By the obstacles and the underground river…” Tiadora asked, still admiring the crystals. “How can it be accidental?”

“I took my bike out one night last year,” Jason folded his legs and sat down in the middle of the room. “In fact, it was also a same Monday night that I landed myself here. I needed some fresh air so I drove down the highway very late at night. All of a sudden, my bike went out of control and it veered out of course all the way inside the cave until I crash inside. I had a cut on my knee…”

“The same cut from when you fell down from your bicycle and met Mrs. Hermoine?” Tiadora raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

But Jason just shrugged. “Yeah. Funny, ain’t it? The very same knee too. When I tried to stand up, my hand rested on that small patch and the wall turned. It wasn’t that dark since my bike’s lights were still working even though it fell, so I could see the opening. Then, I heard a gush of water coming from inside and I thought, maybe I could use that to clean my wounds.

“But as I walked down, I didn’t see the hole and fell in straight into the water. At that time, there was a strong current. The whole water stream actually leads all the way to the sea near Kadic. The waves pushed me all the way until I smash into the wall in the water. I was trying to swim back but the currents were too strong and my knee hurt a lot. Eventually I found the hole on the wall and with the help of the current, I landed here.” Jason told the story, stood up and stood beside Tiadora.

“In the 21st Century…” Tiadora started to say. “Cornelia mentioned that you and your family are very wealthy?”

“Well…” Jason ruffled his hair, unsure of what to reply. “Yeah, well my parents are. After this, it is just inheriting…”

Jason stopped his words short, because he knew reality didn’t foretold it that way. He cleared his throat and continued, “I mean, after this, it is just being independent.”

Tiadora giggled, “You’ll be even richer with this abundance.”

“No. To me, nature should stay where it is. I have not taken any one of these crystals before,” Jason placed his hand on a black-coloured gem. “These are all gemstones. Not exactly crystals. This one is an opal, considered to be the most valuable black gem in the world. I can name mostly all.”

“I’m impressed,” Tiadora said as she drew her eyes to a red one. “You sure did your research. What about this one?”

“Ruby,” Jason whispered the word in her ear, making Tiadora jump. “I do recall that on your birthday, two of the knight-guardians gave you a Sapphire Crimson?”

“Sir Arthur and Sir Galahad made it themselves from nothingness,” Tiadora clasped her hands, remembering the moment the knights presented it to her. “Sir Galahad elevated the Earth element, and together with the freezing of water from Sir Arthur, they transformed the earth into the Sapphire Crimson.”

“I want to try it out too.”

Tiadora looked back at him. “You would need David’s help.”

“No no. Look around you,” Jason spoke and spread his arms towards the many gems. “Choose one, and I’ll use fire to shape it for you.”

“What about letting nature stay where it is?”

“This is a lil’ minor exception,” Jason winked and gave a sly smile. “I’m only going to use a bit only.”

“You sure?”

Jason nodded, and Tiadora started to gaze upon every gem. It was not that long until she pointed to a dark red gem that was a feet away from her head position. “Why that one?” Jason wondered aloud.

“It’s…hypnotizing and its red is so intense,” Tiadora stared at the gem as she said. “What is it?”

“That is a Red Obsidian,” Jason reached out towards the gem with his right hand. When his hand made contact with the stone, he concentrated about cutting a portion of the gem. A thin yellow line formed across the stone and the section free from the wall, came off as a clean-cut gem. “An Obsidian is normally black in colour, but there are red, pink, dark green and yellow ones too. It is a gemstone from the Stone Age.”

“What are you going to do with it?” Tiadora asked as she looked at the Obsidian mesmerizingly.

“What shape do you like?”

“Ermm…” Tiadora brought her fingers to her chin and thought for a while. “A tear drop, but can you do it in a way that reminds me of you.”

“Me?”

“Once the Veex is over, people who have escaped Veex will vanish back to Anastasia at that moment,” Tiadora’s tone became sad and regretful. “I’ve grown to really love the 21st Century, and I’ve even found you, someone I really love. But then, it is inevitable that I will disappear back. And if I disappear at an unexpected moment, I’d like this to be proof that I have met you in my life.”

Jason gave a small encouraging smile and answered back, “I would really hate to see you go when I’ve finally found someone that actually fills my heart with content. But if that is what you wish then…”

He held the Obsidian in his hands, and closed his eyes. For a while, nothing happen. Then, the sides of the Obsidian slowly melted away. An aroma arose from the burning, but it was like paper burn. It had a nice smell to it. The gem continued to decrease and eventually Tiadora could see the tear drop taking shape. Finally, Jason opened his eyes, held the modified gem in one hand and dug his other in his jean-pocket.

Whatever he took out, Jason balled in his hand, not showing to Tiadora. Carefully, he clasped both of his hands together, mixing whatever was inside as he shakes his hands. After five seconds, he presented her the gift.

The tear drop shaped Obsidian was not a thin like paper and it had a nice round spherical shape that eventually ends at the tip. There was a long chain that made an irregular oval on Jason’s palm. That’s when she realized why he made the shape small. It was a necklace.

“Look closer at the Obsidian,” Jason held onto the chain, letting the Obsidian dangle as Tiadora looked at the gem carefully. Inside the gem, there was a flame, a speck of intense fire that blazed inside of the Obsidian. Although it was burning brightly, it was visible unless she had seen it closer, and the flame made the whole gem even more beautiful than it already had. “Here, I’ll help you wear it. Lift up your hair.”

He went behind Tiadora, and waited as she curled her long brown wavy hair into a bun. When she was done, Jason slung the gem gently around her neck, and secured the chain in place. Tiadora let go of her hair and turned to face Jason and she looked down to her new necklace. “Thank you. This is very beautiful,” Tiadora caressed the gem lovingly. “I’ll never take it off.”

Jason chuckled, and suddenly realized that Tiadora was still carrying her bag that she brought from the academy. “I am very curious,” Jason brought his hands to his hip. “What is in that bag?”

This time, it was Tiadora’s turn to laugh. She unstrapped her bag and unzipped it, before taking out an item that was too large for even the small haversack to fit. Dressed in a familiar outfit, the item portrayed a very handsome face, but Jason just bend down until it was face-to-face with the item and frowned. “Does my hair really look like that?”

Both Tiadora and Jason broke into laughter as Tiadora hugged the Jason-doll to herself and ruffled the blond hair. “Today, I’ve receive two things that will make me always think about you,” Tiadora patted the doll’s head gently.

“How did you…?”

“I knew everyone wanted your doll,” Tiadora admitted. “So when they crashed into the cafeteria, I simply made it teleport to my room through the electricity cables.”

“Huh?” Jason was confused. He found that a little funny as normally it would be Tiadora who would be confused.

“Remember that my element is energy,” Tiadora talked as she twirled around happily. “And in class, I have just recently realized that electricity is a form of energy, so I just made use of it.”

Jason snickered proudly, amazed with Tiadora’s adapting to the 21st Century. He caught her in her dance and brought Tiadora closer to him, with the irritating doll in between. Jason bent down nearer to Tiadora’s face, “You are always full of surprises.”

“I think you’re gravely mistaken,” Tiadora touched the Obsidian hanging from above her chest. “It is you who is full of surprises.”

And with that, Jason reached in closer, whispered to Tiadora to close her eyes and kissed her tenderly.

Chapter 40: Moments Defying Reality [Part One]
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“Oh my god. You can’t be serious…”

“Hey what’s wrong with that? So what if I play soccer now?”

“But ballet? And here I thought Jason’s sewing ability is lame.”

Ulrich rolled his eyes and rested his cheek on his fist, “That’s it. No more stories of my childhood.”

Cornelia laughed gracefully as she poked her fork into the steak. They had already settled in and received their food, and the ambience was mystifying. Their table was situated right at the edge of the building, beside the glass panel, so Cornelia was able to view the millions of tiny lights one hundred stories from the ground. Unlike themselves, there were more adults in the restaurant, and with the symphonic band churning to classical melodies, some chaperoned to the wave of music.

Even though Ulrich had asked her to the outing, Cornelia just didn’t feel so comfortable. They had been talking quite frequently now, but she just felt a little disturbed. Cornelia wanted to know more about him, but she couldn’t understand why there was a feeling of uneasiness inside her. “Tell me about Phoenix Academy. I’ve heard that it’s the most prestigious and smartest high school in the world,” Cornelia grinned, trying to keep her calm posture. “Why come to Kadic? Didn’t you have friends that you did not want to leave behind?”

Ulrich sipped the juice from his glass before answering, “I had a ring of close friends; Pendragon, Tamaki and Claire. I was in the same class as Claire, because we were the two-stars…”

“Two-stars?” Cornelia wondered aloud.

“The institution has a prejudice system. Sure, it is known as the academy which provides with today’s generation’s geniuses or what-not, but within its grounds, not everyone is treated that way,” Ulrich explained, gazing at his own food. “There are one-star, two-stars and three-stars. Three, being the best elite students of the entire school. Each of the star-groups even has different uniforms. My two other pals; Pendragon and Tamaki, were three-stars, and there was a rule.”

“ ‘No one from any star-group shall ever speak, talk, meet, gaze upon, or have any form of communication with another star-group within school grounds.’ ”

“Harsh,” Cornelia tried imagining such marginalized student body.

Ulrich sighed, “Yeah, well…one day, Pendragon and I found a classroom in flames during lunchbreak. From the floor right outside of it, Pendragon picked up a stray lighter, probably the one which caused the blaze as it was empty. However, when our Director came, we were blamed for the damage. There were tons of heated argument, and Pendragon’s parents found me to be of bad influence. That was when the Director realized that I was a two-star. So for breaking the rules and being wrongly accused even though they eventually caught the real culprit, I was expelled.”

“Oh! I’m sorry,” Cornelia now didn’t feel like finishing her steak anymore. “But do you still at least, write or…”

“No,” Ulrich’s voice grew sterner and had a hint of anger. “The day that they expelled me, was the last day I saw them. I’ve never spoken to them since.”

Now, Cornelia felt guilty of asking. She had unknowingly accused him of leaving his friends behind without knowing the true meaning of it. “I’m so sorry…”

Ulrich slanted his utensils diagonally to the side of his plate and plastered a fake smile on his face. “It’s okay. What’s done is done, and I can’t cry over spilled wine…”

“Milk.”

“Fine,” Ulrich chuckled. “Do you want to dance?”

Immediately, Cornelia felt her cheeks glow red, before stammering, “Alright.”

♥

“Oh my god, David! Look,” Kiara stared dreamily as she saw the ‘targetted couple’ rise from their seats to chaperone. “They’re gonna dance.”

"Kiara, where is your father bringing you for Summer?"

"Oh, I don't know, but it's a modelling holiday so you're obviously coming along," Kiara said, continuing to stare at both Cornelia and Ulrich dancing. "My dad has already informed your dad anyway."

Kiara and David had arrived only fifteen minutes ago. They had spotted the ‘targetted’ couple sitting right at the edge of the building, so Kiara asked for a spot that was five tables away and it gave them a perfect view of them. At first they looked fine talking to one another, and Kiara had been staring at them since. Even the waiter had to call her several times to snap her out of her dreamy daze.

“Waiter, I did tell your other fellow colleague that I want this chicken meat dry. Remove the sauce.”

As soon as the waiter left, Kiara eyed him suspiciously, “Why? And you didn’t tell the…”

Her words were caught in her throat when the waiter approached the table back and placed the ‘modified’ order in front of David. When the waiter left them alone, David fished out a vial from inside his coat and pulled out the cork. Leaving Kiara speechless, David then slowly poured the blood from the vial onto the ordered chicken meat so it’d looked like chilli sauce.

Kiara was about to protest when David traced a circle on the glass panel beside them with his pinky finger of his left. Suddenly, although not obvious, the glass forming that circle vanished, as if it was a hole perfectly punched through the glass panel. David then grabbed his glass of juice and without hesitation poured the juice outside of the hole, outside of the building. “David?!” Kiara gasped at his act. “What the hell do you think you’re…”

When the glass was empty, the hole filled up and the panel was finally replaced, but then, David took out another vial of blood and poured the thick liquid into the glass cup before sipping bit-by-bit. Kiara rolled her eyes and finally started her meal.

It was true that she had promised David that they could bring some ‘blood bottles’ from the storeroom of the field, but she didn’t anticipate that he’d drink it in public. “How does it taste like?” Kiara accidentally blurted, but in the end didn’t care.

“The chicken is very tender,” David said after he tore the chicken meat in two with his teeth. “But I think mine is over-cooked.”

“I meant the blood,” Kiara sighed and eyed David. She knew that she was referring to that from the beginning, and David used to always have a knack in diverting the situation in a twisted way.

David averted his gaze to Kiara’s. As usual, he had an expressionless look, neither smiling nor frowning. “It’s delicious and addictive,” David spoke as he lifted his glass of blood to his mouth. “It’s almost as if the trigger factor is the alcohol from wine.”

He stayed silent for another few moments but continued again, “Even though I already told all of you about how it got me affected, the thing was, I tried to surpass the hunger. Everyday, it was such a pain to even stand beside you. And when I accidentally bit you…I realized that I had to be the one in more control over myself. That was why I couldn’t bear to even enter the infirmary while you were still recovering. I just…”

“It’s okay, David,” Kiara exclaimed as she saw that he started to look hurt. “You don’t…have to tell me.”

“No, that’s not it,” David locked his gaze into her eyes. “Yesterday you looked so furious about wanting to know about everything. The thing is, I can’t. It just pains me to tell the horrid things I did after fourth grade. I’m sorry but I just can’t bring myself to say. I really want you to know, but…I just don’t want your opinion of me to change because of it.”

“I don’t know whether you remember,” Kiara murmured sadly. “There was a time after one of our modeling session. You told me to promise not to abandon you if you weren’t yourself or acted differently. When you changed into a vampire, did I abandon you?!”

Kiara started to raise her voice, but David just kept quiet. “When I realized that you were the one who attacked me, did I abandon you?”

“When you had to obey Cyrus’ order and didn’t even hesitate to execute her order to kill me, did I abandon you?” Kiara’s voice suddenly grew softer until it was like a whisper.

David stayed quiet but then realized that Kiara had started to have tears trickling from her cheeks. In the fourteen years that he knew Kiara, he had never seen her cry before. When he was young, she had always been very close to him, not failing to be a good friend. She had always tried to cheer him up when they were little, and all she did was to just make him happy. And now, for the first time, after whatever she had done in the past, David had repaid her kindness by hurting her. He’d cast himself away even though she was reaching out to him, and he would always distance himself from everything. Even feelings and words…

“Apparently, you know how to upset a beautiful lady,” a voice came from beside the table, and at the same time both Kiara and David looked up at the extra person.

Austin was clad with the similar penguin suit, but unlike in school, his hair was neatly combed to the side. He looked much cleaner and his posture was more upright and turgid, as if he was a soldier at command. For once, Austin looked…presentable. “What the hell are you doing in here?” David scowled at Austin distastefully. “Were you spying on us?”

“Oh dear, no,” Austin said with a fake British accent. “You are currently dining in my father’s restaurant. I have the right to move around the premises. I hope I don’t bestow any inconvenience upon you.”

David ignored him. In school, he was a rebellious guy, not even worth of gaining favour even from the ‘popular crew’ of the academy. And now, he’s acting all posh and gentleman-ly. It was a surprise that his English was so perfect. “Shall we dance together, Milady?” Austin held out his hand to Kiara.

“I...I...”

“I’m sure this one dance won’t do any harm,” Austin charm his words. “Take it as a thank-you gesture after saving your life on the day I brought you to the infirmary when you were injured.”

Kiara looked to David for help, but he was looking outside the building instead, ignoring everything. She then took Austin’s hand, and stood from her seat. “One only,” her voice trailed away as Austin guided away from the table.

David sat there alone with his half-eaten chicken meat. He wanted to check on them, but he felt that doing that was like admitting defeat to Austin. “Kiara,” David muttered to himself with sorrow in his voice. “Don’t you know? I really really loved living in the past. It was because there was just me and…you….”

★

“Oh my...” Tiadora gasped when Jason removed the large cloth from this bulky object. She didn't know what the weird-looking object was, and her confused expression made Jason smiled gleefully.

He took out a red odd-looking sphere and placed it on Tiadora's head. Tiadora wanted to protest, but this was Jason's time, so she trusts that he knew what he was doing. “This is called a helmet,” Jason held onto the helmet after buckling the strap. “And this behind me is a motorcycle.”

"This was last year's birthday gift from my parents,” Jason continued as he traced his hand across the rich silver. "The jet was two years ago."

"Jet?"

"Remember? The vehicle that we use to fly to the island that had the Sapphire Crimson?" Jason recalled as he took Tiadora's hand and guided her towards the motorcycle. "The one when we jump from the sky?"

"Oh! Yes, I remember," Tiadora recalled the frightening moment back then.

“What in the bag?” Jason pointed to the black haversack that was so small in size, Tiadora’s long hair covered it.

“It’s nothing really,” Tiadora gave an uneasy smile, hoping Jason wouldn’t ask what is inside.

“If it’s nothing, then I suppose I have to believe you. Alright,” Jason got onto his bike and urged her to do the same. When she was seated, Tiadora heaved a sigh of relief that she was wearing jeans. “Now, to ensure your safety, you must always hug the person in front of you.”

And when Tiadora obeyed, Jason turned back and gave an innocent smile. “Here we go!” he started the ignitions and the engines glow to life. The silver motorcycle zoomed off from the academy’s car park to the streets of Seattle.

Chapter 39: Doll Domination
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"Stand."

Attentively, the class stood up in respect for the male teacher that strolled in, although they were expecting their usual female teacher. The young sir placed his books on the desk in front before flashing a pearly white smile at the class, "Greetings. Your English teacher, Mrs. Liane, is currently hospitalized due to a horrible car accident. I'll be taking over as a substitute teacher instead, so please address me as Mr. Alex."

"Gosh, you look hot," Sally blurted from her seat, staring dreamingly at the new teacher. "My English is terrible, sir. Do you mind if we had private tutoring after classes?"

"Now. Now," Mr. Alex paced himself, placed his hand on the desk and leaned. "Kadic Academy is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. At least, that's what I've heard. But in my opinion, you all play hard, and work hard. That's the uniqueness that is very astounding here, I find."

Kiara too stared at the handsome professor, once he started out his lessons. True, he had magnetic amber eyes just like hers, capped with a some-what stylish messy chocolate brown hair. Very attractive indeed, she thought to herself. It had been a weird weekend, with all the sword training and David being a vampire. At least, he's not as crazy as how she had seen when Cornelia and her got him out of the tower. Actually, it was all his doing.

Kiara sighed, not wanting to turn behind and look at David. He might still have that expressionless look plastered on his face regardless of his new physical change, but still... Kiara couldn't help but feel guilty by not noticing. He was also there, and she didn't know.

"Oh, yes before I forget," Mr. Alex stopped scribbling on the whiteboard and faced the class once more. "Your ex-principal, Mr. Galili, has decided to give all of his students several gifts. There's a variation. The gifts for boys and girls are separate. So later on during lunch, please collect your 'gifts' at the cafeteria."

♥

When the school bell rang, indicating lunch break, all classroom doors burst open and the corridors were filled with students on a stampede. Rumours had gone round that big red trucks had been seen carrying many huge boxes of gifts into the school, but none knew what the gift was. Most girls were seen running towards the cafeteria while the boys just ambled their way.

However, the glass door to the cafeteria was sealed shut, having a sign that said, “Will open once arrangements have been done.”

The men in suits started unloading the boxes onto the tables one by one, and when the first pink-coloured box was buckled, all the girls gasped in astonishment. One by one, the men fished out dolls.

The dolls were then arranged in rows on the table. Each, were dressed differently and all had a tag on the arm, indicating a name. But all the girls squealed in delight when one particular doll was taken out. The doll had blond hair, with a green jacket and dark green military jeans. Since each doll was as small as both palms joined together, with the height of only probably twenty centimeters, it was obvious that it was from a famous toy company called Phantomhive Industries. It was famous as they are known to make the most cutest dolls with adorable faces of celebrities. People who were rich enough could buy one for friends or lovers.

Once every doll was lined up, a man stood in front of the doors and held onto a microphone, “To all of the young ladies of Kadic Academy, Phantomhive Industries present to you the dolls of every matching boy in the academy! There is only one for one boy, and I’ve heard of several popular ‘people’ in the school who would probably have more than half of the school cohort secretly crushing on. So even though Mr. Galili requested for some boy-dolls to be made more than one, Phantomhive has a policy of only making one doll to one person. Once I open the doors, please exercise patience and caution when selecting your toys.”

“For the boys,” he continued. “Watches from Rolex. Once you have received your gifts, please register them at the general office or the auditorium. No girl or boy should be left without a doll or a watch. So without further ado…”

The man signaled his hands over to the doors, and the mob poured out. All the girls rushed over, shoving and pushing one another. There were squeals of “Give me that doll!” and “I got it first!!” all over, and the man found it hard to move back out into the open.

The boys, knowing of the squeezy crowd inside, dare not enter. Instead, they decided to take theirs later and let ladies be first.

“Tsk! How is anyone going to get anything from this?” Cornelia spoke as she leaned onto the wall outside of the cafeteria. Tiadora and Kiara were with her. All three girls didn’t want to get stuck with the ferocious crowd. “I don’t want one anyway.”

Tiadora then said, “But the man said that we…”

“Look at them, gal,” Cornelia thrusted her thumb towards the other girls. “I don’t think you will be able to get the Jason-doll with that rampage. In the end, the CLs will send to us those that were not taken.”

“The rejects,” Kiara muttered, combing her red ponytail. “Geeks, jerks, nerds, freshmen, goths and all the unknowns.”

But very soon, the crowd dispersed, and the room was emptied as fast as it was filled. The three girls entered the vacant room. On one side were the Rolex watches that were meant for the boys, and on the other table, with some on the floor, were the leftover boy-dolls. Kiara walked over to a corner and picked on up.

“Well, I’m not surprised that you are here,” Kiara pinched the soft toy’s no-finger hand before hugging it tight.

“That is…” Tiadora started.

“David,” Kiara giggled. “Although, I am wondering why Shaniqua didn’t take it. She always thought David was cute even though Sally didn’t.”

Tiadora smiled and her eyes darted to almost every inch of the room. “Sorry, gal. But I doubt Jason-doll is here. Someone might have already taken it.” Cornelia nudged at Tiadora and passed her a coke. “I’ve decided not to take one and let the CLs choose for me.”

“Maybe it’s because the Ulrich-doll has also been snatched away,” Kiara cunningly whispered I into Tiadora’s ear, but loud enough to tease Cornelia.

All three burst into laughter. Cornelia urged Tiadora to take one, but she just shook her head. “Between the guardians, I don’t know any other boys. So I think I will follow Cornelia’s plan.”

“Alright~!” Cornelia slung her arm over Tiadora’s shoulder. “Plus, who needs dolls? We’re already big girls!”

“But the texture is so soft and cuddly!!!!” Kiara squealed as she rubbed her cheek again the dolls’ face. Like all dolls, it only has the eyes. Mouth, nose and ears weren’t part of Phantomhive Industries’ trait for dolls as they thought it would be much cuter. “They even have powerpuff girls’ hands!!! Oh, David!!! If only the real you were this soft and lifeless… I can do anything I want with you!! Ha-ha!!”

“Urgh,” Cornelia smudged and started walking outside. “Come, Kiara, we’ve got to register that doll of yours!”

♥

As evening approaches, Cornelia ambled back to the girls’ dormitory. She thought of taking a shower before dinner commence as she had been practicing her volleyball skills after she, Kiara and Tiadora parted ways after registration. The stench of perspire was unbearable but familiar as she walked up the stairs to her room.

Cornelia thought she felt stronger. Probably because of the training on the day before. She could feel her muscles tense every time she did a perfect strike. It made her feel good.

At first, Cornelia didn’t realize it, but just as she started to take off her sweaty jersey in the dark, she notice something in the moonlight. The pale blue light was shining onto her desk revealing a bulky figure in the shadows on the table. Slowly, Cornelia approached her desk and drew the curtain open to let the moonlight shine.

It was a doll! In the dark, it had a weird shape, but it was obviously one of the boy dolls. The CLs must have already decided, Cornelia thought as she switched on the switch to her desk lamp and gasped. Recognising its traits, it looked just like Ulrich! What the-? It was then she realized that there was a rectangular box beneath the box with a note on it. Cornelia picked up both the doll and the note, and read:


Hey! I managed to snag the 'Ulrich' edition before the boxes got into the academy. And since your name wasn't in the register, I'd assumed that you've not taken any of the dolls. Admit it. It's as cute as the original, ain't it? :) Just wanted only you to have it.


P.S.

I hope you're free tonight. I know it's a school night, but I felt like spending time with you. The package below the doll is for you too. If you're free and available, wear that and meet me at the school main gates at eight o'clock tonight.

Yours Truly,
Ulrich.


Immediately, Cornelia torn open the plain brown box to reveal a pink gown. It was glittering with beauty, with the skirt all the way to her feet and lace tracing her shoulders from the strapless top. Cornelia admired the gown for a while and realized that it was just six-thirty in the evening. One hour and thirty minutes of time! Then she picked up the phone and rang help.

♥

“Oh My Goddess!! You look gorgeous!!” Kiara squealed when she thrust open the door at seven-thirty, staring the just bathed Cornelia wearing the gown. “When you said that you needed fashion help, I didn’t think it was this. Where are you going?”

Cornelia just handed Kiara, Ulrich’s note as she read. “AWW!! This is so romantic!!” Kiara squealed out loud, hurting Cornelia ears. “Man, I’m really jealous. You and Tiadora get guys who actually initiate these things, but mine isn’t even interested!”

“Wanna help me with my hair?” Cornelia pointed to her messed up short-long blond hair.

“Of course!” Kiara yelped, totally forgetting her jealousy and hugged Cornelia. “Eew. What’s that smell? Adidas? NO!! Gosh, what will you do without me?”

♥

The piano black limousine was right on time, just as Cornelia emerged from the main gates. The chauffeur came out and opened the door as Ulrich stepped out with his tuxedo, holding a rose in his hands. “Shall we, mademoiselle?”

Cornelia smiled as she took his hand which led her inside the limousine. Soon, the engine started and they were on their way. “So…” Cornelia leaned against the shiny grey leather seat. “Where are you taking me? I’m kinda hungry.”

Ulrich chuckled, “You shall see very soon. The food there is indeed exquisite.”

“Hrmph,” she folded her arms and raised her brows. “Well I am hard to please when it comes to food. Ha-ha.”

“I can assure you that it will be appetizing,” Ulrich sat opposite her as he spoke. “Nice dress. Who got it for you?”

“Don’t be so modest. I knew you bought it for me,” she blushed. “Even that stupid doll…”

This time he laughed louder, “It was easy. Phantomhive Industries is my uncle’s company, so it wasn’t all that difficult to…make enquiries.”

“And regarding that dress,” he continued with a crooked smile. “When I first saw it, the gown was in snow-blue colour and that was such a beauty. However, when I saw the pink, it just screamed for you.”

“Exaggerator.”

After several minutes, the limousine grew to a halt, and the chauffeur opened the door for them to descend. As Cornelia stepped out, she noticed that it was around city area, and the building in front looked like a hotel. For a while it looked familiar, but then again couldn’t recall. “El Caballero de la Triste Figura.”

“Ain’t that Spanish?” Cornelia wondered aloud. “The Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance.”

“Exactly,” Ulrich smiled and held out his arm. “It’s a posh restaurant on the penthouse of this hotel. How do you know it’s in Spanish? I thought you took Latin?”

“I don’t know,” Cornelia shrugged her shoulders as she took his arm while walking through the sliding doors. “It just sounded familiar to me.”


♥

As Kiara slowly sneaked back after seeing Cornelia off, she suddenly banged against someone behind her. To her surprise, she saw Jason, whose gaze was actually more fixed to the getaway limousine than her crash. “Where is he taking Cornelia?” Jason moved his gaze to Kiara. “You seem to look excited.”

“I am!” Kiara squealed and put her hands to her hip. “Well, it is more like a surprise date so she herself didn’t know where it was going to be, but not to worry! I have put a lil’ tracking device on her skirt. So, all I have to do is look into my GPS and I’ll know where she is.”

Jason raised his brows. “Are you up to something again?” he folded his arms and sniggered. “You never use the tracking device unless you’ve got something up your sleeves.”

“Clever,” Kiara snapped her fingers and giggled. “I’m going to spy on her! I’ll drag David along with me and just treat it as a date. It’ll be splendid.”

“Alright then,” Jason rushed his fingers into his blond hair before turning around to walk back to the boys’ dormitory. “Have fun.”

“Hey! Since Cornelia is on a date with Ulrich, and David and I are sort of spending time with each other…” Kiara suddenly blurted. “Why don’t you bring Tiadora somewhere? It’ll be like a triple date.”

Jason smiled from behind, “Good idea.”

♥

Although Jason knew that girls’ dormitory was officially off-limits to boys, and vice versa, he crept up the steps to the third floor. By now, he knew that all of the girls would have reported back to their rooms after dinner and probably hogging over their boy-dolls by now. Then he smiled, and shrugged off the idea if one of the girls happens to spot him there, but he knew how to fish his way out. Being him has its advantages.

Tiadora’s room was the fifth room from the right. Jason stopped his tracks in front, wondering how to piece his words together, but before he could even compose himself, the door swung open. “Jason?” Tiadora stood there, dressed for sleep already. He knew that since she started the school and that she wasn’t close to anyone but the guardians, she always slept very early. “Anything wrong?”

“Must there be something wrong just for me to see you?” Jason chuckled as he just let himself enter Tiadora’s room to find the place more neat and tidy than his. “Anyway, would you like to… I mean if you think you want to… I was just wondering if you…”

“I’m waiting,” Tiadora folded her arms and giggled at his nervousness.

“I was hoping that maybe you…would like to go out with me tonight,” Jason finally said it. “I thought of giving you a surprise. Something that would take your breath away, I think…”

Tiaodra thought about it for a while, and looked at Jason’s face to see if he was serious about it. After some time, she relaxed and walked over to the bathroom. “Okay! I’ll get changed and meet you downstairs?”

“Definitely!” Jason said it almost too excitedly before he exited Tiadora’s room to give her privacy.

♥

When Kiara slammed opened the door, even Mokona fell from the desk due to the resounding impact, but David still snored quietly on his bed. “I thought vampires were supposed to be more active at night,” she shook David’s shoulder. “Wake up~! David! It’s a god-damn emergency!”

Immediately, David bolted from his bed and looked seriously into Kiara’s eyes, “What’s the emergency?”

“Cornelia’s going on date with that Princeton kid, and you have to put on this…” Kiara lifted a hanger with a slick tuxedo, on her finger. “…so that we can get to the bottom of their relationship!!!”

David just stared at her with his mouth slightly gapping. Soon, he found it ridiculous and just slung his blanket over his head, ignoring Kiara. “David! I’m serious! C’mon!” Kiara sighed, beating the blanket. “Okay, how about it if I phrase it as…we go on a date together at the same restaurant as Cornelia’s date but we don’t spy. So? Watcha say?”

“Two syllables,” David groaned from under his blanket. “Buzz off.”

“Come on, David!!” Kiara continued to shake while Mokona just slumped back on David’s desk to sleep. “When was the last time you and I went out on a romantic date together?!”

There was silence at first, then Kiara heard soft counting by David. “Seven years, 96 days, 3 hours and 45 minutes ago….” David said it from beneath the blanket, again with a monotone voice. “I can’t remember the seconds…”

“Urgh!!!” Kiara yelled in defeat and pondered for a while. “What if I brought some of the blood bottles? Then you can use that as the champagne or the sauce of your dish or whatever. As long as it’s not weird and obvious…”

David then bolted upright, more forceful than before and snatched the tuxedo from Kiara. “Alright, we go.”

Chapter 38: Tempus edax rerum (Time, The Devourer of All Things)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

David sat down on the grand purple bed while Mokona was fidgeting in his hair, making it like a nest. A moment later, Jason emerged from the bathroom, shaking off the water from his blond hair. Kiara squealed when she got wet, “Eew, Jason, even though I’m the guardian of Water, that doesn’t mean that I don’t know personal hygiene!”

She folded her arms and scoffed, “I should have just left you there. I mean seriously, I found you lying down next to the refrigerator of the cafeteria with a frozen burger in your hands. Fabulous, indeed.”

“I was hungry,” Jason chuckled and sat in between Tiadora and David. “Glad you’re okay, buddy. Too bad that fur-ball is irritating you.”

Mokona hissed and pointed its butt towards Jason as an insult but Jason just laughed. “I fought with Xana at the basement. It went…ugly. I mean, you saw the condition my clothes were in? Man, the CL was dumbfounded when I gave it to her for laundry. Things went wrong and I got pretty bashed up…”

Slowly, he narrated the whole situation in details, about Xana telling hints about his plans and also about him being ‘dead’. When he was done, everyone was drawn within their own thoughts. Gaia was the first one to speak. “His plan complexity might be too great. If that is how he predicts, then we can assume that regardless of what we do, it’ll be in vain. However, this can be a mean of manipulation. The dark wizard is normally known for influencing many into his cast. Still, it is better safe than sorry.”

Gaia was in her sacred form, a Pegasus. Cornelia had summoned her to aid in the search for Jason in the skies. It also gave the excuse that it was tired just being a mini-toy zebra. “And Jason, what is that on your neck?” Gaia nudged her hoof as if pointing. “Why is there Xana’s symbol in the centre of your neck.”

Jason placed his hand on his Adam’s apple and grew confused. “I didn’t see anything in the mirror when I was in the toilet just now.”

“I don’t see anything,” Cornelia and the rest agreed.

“I can see it,” Mokona finally turned and faced Jason. “Only mystical creatures can. Care to explain that, Mr. Kingston.”

“Xana stabbed me with his sword here,” Jason recalled back uneasily. Both animals grew silent.

“I do not think it’s serious,” Mokona admitted. “But I think we should train instead.”

“We have to train harder!” Gaia spoke as the white crystal on its head glimmered. “Tiadora, I think it is best if they learn how to train with us, even if it is only me and Mokona.”

Reluctantly, Tiadora nodded. “Then it is settled,” she stood up and gave an assuring smile. “Although, I would have like to give David some time to cool down from the incident and get used to his bearings, I’d say we don’t have that much of time. Tomorrow morning, we shall start the intensive training.”

▽

At the break of dawn, the five friends walked to the same cavern under the bridge as the one that they went to previously. David and Cornelia used their powers to create an invisible barrier that won’t enable anyone else to interfere with their training. The five friends paced themselves in the centre, with Mokona and Gaia beside them.

“Mokona, Gaia, please,” Tiadora nodded to the sacred animals.

Mokona then squealed in delight and levitated into the air. An amethyst purple circle with intricate patterns glowed with power beneath the floating Mokona. At that moment, huge white wings, that looked too big for Mokona, sprouted from its back as if they were angel wings and wrapped its feather around the small body. The purple circle then blared a green beam from the ground, and the wings, now green, unfold. The magnificent Phoenix was revealed after its wings parted, revealing a fierce creature. It stood high and large, but then landed behind the row of guardians.

“I think I like you better as a pig,” Jason patted the left wing but only to realize that Mokona had two pairs of wings instead. “Woah!”

“My turn!” Gaia shouted and with its small plush toy form, it leaped into the air and the same purple ring appeared below it. Similarly, white wings too big enveloped the small animal, but to only unveiled a white Pegasus after the circle turned into a light shade of grey. Gaia, slightly bigger than an average stallion, nudged Cornelia knowingly.

“Alright,” Tiadora smiled at the sacred animal’s transformation. “Now you see, sacred swords are mythril rapiers that are connected with your sacred animal. It is something like a soul blade of the animal, but one can only activate it unless the animal is willing. The sacred sword is much more powerful than an average sword. It is powered by emotions and only if your sacred animal remains alive.”

“Since you all are new, to want to summon the sword for the first time, Cornelia, David, place your palms on your sacred animal’s gems.”

David started first and when Mokona kneeled its head down as if bowing, David touched the emerald gem on Mokona’s forehead. A small glow grew but died down almost immediately. The same thing happened with Cornelia, but both felt no difference. “Then?” Cornelia shrugged.


“Good. Now you place your hand in front of you,” Tiadora demonstrated, letting her left hand stretch upright in front of her chest. “Then concentrate on your blade. When the handle materializes from your hand, pull it out immediately.”

Cornelia did just as she was told, and closed her eyes. Suddenly, a small circle, about the size of her palm phased out from the surface of her left hand. It had the same intricate pattern as what the circle had from the animals’ transformation but it was electrifying blue this time. A handle then emerged from the circle, as if it was from her palm itself, and with her right hand, Cornelia pulled the handle. She saw the blazing light that the sword radiated when she pulled it out. It was difficult, like as if the sword was being drawn back into the circle, but Cornelia gathered all her strength and the rapier burst out from her hands.

Gasps escaped from the guardians’ breath as Cornelia saw her blade. It was a long golden sword with sizzles of energy radiating in spirals around the blade. “Awesome!” Cornelia gasped, swinging her sword everywhere.

“Now you try, David,” Kiara shaked him from his daze.

Without reluctance, he too shut his eyes close and felt his energy around him. The circle then blazed on the surface of his palm, revealing a handle sliding from the ring. David tightened his grip on the black handle and, too, pulled the sword of with the same explosive lights. It was a thin silver blade. Before the handle reached the metal blade, there was a glimmering gold wing with ornate designs on the silver metal. David couldn’t help but smile, “Amazing.”

“It is,” Tiadora stared at the blade, remembering the knights.

“Oh hey!” David surprisingly adapted a cheery expression. “I almost forgot. Don’t you have a sacred animal, Tiadora? I talk about ours, but what about you?”

Tiadora looked down, not wanting to say, and the excitement mood die down. “I do have a sacred animal,” Tiadora rubbed her arm. “It is a fairy.”

“Fairy?!” everyone gasped in unison. “Where is it?”

“You see, back in my time when me and the knights received our roles as guardians, we had no sacred animal at first,” Tiadora looked up and gave a small smile. “A fairy called Stellaluna, approached me and offered assistance. Seeing the courage of the small fairy triggered the other animals to volunteer their services as well. But, as our battles went by, Stellaluna thought that with grand animals like Gaia, Mokona, Excalibur and Dakota helping the rest, she felt that its tiny form was of no help to me at all. So, one day, it came to me again and said, ‘I will fuse my life energy into yours, and you will discover a far more powerful magic than everyone’s combined forces’. And before I could say anything else, she entered inside of me. And even though she says that she is with me, I don’t feel her presence at all. She didn’t even let me say how I feel.”

Tiadora sighed and flickered her hand as if she wanted to exit the subject. “Then what’s the power?” Kiara asked, oblivious to the sorrow ambience. “The one more powerful?”

“Okay, how about, I’ll show it to everyone once all of us have obtained our sacred animals?” Tiadora said monotonously. “For now, we train with swordplay.”

“Since Jason and Kiara have yet to get their sacred animals, they shall use normal swords,” Tiadora clasped her palms together, muttered something softly, and three plain swords emerged from the ground. “Although I have my own, I shall teach you all with a normal blade. Cornelia and David may use their sacred swords on this training while we use these.”

Tiadora threw one at both Jason and Kiara, whom managed to catch it easily. “We shall also train while in combat with the sacred animals. That way, you will know how to fight with the sacred animal. Any other questions?”

“The Amerix thingy?” Kiara reminded.

“That will be an objective of another session,” Tiadora gripped her sword handle hard. “Now, lets battle!”

♥

What do you think about him now? It has been two months since they knew that they were guardians. Honestly, I think he's a fine young lad, not like Sir Lancelot at all.

Do not judge a book by its cover. I need him to prove himself worthy.

Well, I'm bored. Mokona defied your orders and headed to that other boy first. (chuckles) Both you and her have always been on bad terms.

That puffy thing never thinks before she acts. Just like Sir Galahad. One part brave, three parts fool.

But hey, that David kid doesn't quite match with Sir Galahad. He is a total opposite, in fact. Such a quiet boy who hides everything from his friends.

I don't think he treats them as friends, what more comrades.

Hrm.. It is like being forced into it. Blame fate. I was very shocked that he turned into a vampire.

Whatever he becomes, it doesn't matter as long as he is true to the good side. Xana's already making his move.

Yup! The Balistia in the auditorium and the cavern that Artemis and Tyran created in the Sahara Dessert, are part of it.

I don’t recall any spell involving all of those traits.

We’ll figure it out. Hey, you went missing yesterday! Around three, 21st Century time?

Xana encaged the guardian of Fire in a symbolized barrier. I had to rescue the boy because Xana only allowed my entry.

Harh?! So the guardian of Fire saw finally saw you?! The great Dragon, Dakota?!

No, I took on a form of a rat. It took some time for him to pass out after I bite some sleeping draught into his fingers.

No wonder. One moment, we were trying to invisibly prevent that Ulrich kid from entering the cafeteria when Cornelia was injured, then the next, you vanished!

It was necessary. Even though I have not bounded to him as a guardian’s sacred animal yet.

You know, even though, that is supposed to be my guardian...I seem to admire the guardian of Air's roughness. She doesn't seem to act like an innocent scared fragile girl.

You do know how to change the subject, Excalibur. But yes, she does have those manly characteristics. Yours seems to be rather reluctant. Although, I think she'll do quite fine.

Yeah, I guess. So does that mean I can approach her soon?

(sighs) Ama et fac quod vis, but probably not today, Excalibur. I sent out Gaia because I think the guardian of Air is ready. Perhaps another day. Let us depart before Tiadora senses our presence. We are already interfering with their barrier. She would notice it one way or another.

Then what about you, Dakota? If you're going to let me off soon, and I hope it is soon, then when will you join us? He can't summon his sword without his sacred animal alongside him.

There’s Xana mark on his neck.

Now you’re the one changing the subject?! (laughs) Quite an awful sight, don’t you think?

It was already there when I came. There must have been a wound that Xana made on his neck.

But it’s glowing red. I mean it looks small but deadly red.

Normally, that would indicate as a target. I remember Sir Lancelot warning me about it when Sir Thomas was marked on his right palm.

Oh. Azric eventually stabbed him there weeks later and Sir Thomas fell into a grave disease. It must have been a particular point on the body because other wounds didn’t give out the same results.

But it could also be just a stigma, something that will maybe vanish in due time without any damage.

Maybe. So back to the main question. When?

Tempus omnia revelat.

Time will tell? We’ve been observing them for so long. (yawns) Why are you so devoted to the fourth dimension?

Tempus edax rerum.