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thelordpaladin · 6 years

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Keldran academy, chapter one of my newest project.

I started this novel about three months ago, then got some bad news health wise. Since then watching and reviewing anime seems to have gotten me through the worst of it and I feel confident writing once again. The following chapter has had a single edit by myself, so nothing is set in stone so I’d love any comments on improvements or flaws in the narrative. But most of all I hope you enjoy reading it as I’ll be posting up new chapters as they’re completed.

Chapter 1

Daris threaded his tie carefully, it was his first day at the Keldran academy and this place was certainly different to his hometown in Vesparia where it was almost year-round good weather. A good first impression, that’s what was needed here. His white shirt was freshly ironed and his blue blazer spotless. Daris ran a hand through his dark hair, making sure it stayed swept to one side with styling mousse. Taking a deep breath he picked up his bag and took a long look at his apartment. The place was tiny, a bedroom and a living area, but as a student it was free so he couldn’t complain, his parents were poor farmers after all. Daris left his apartment, locking the door behind himself. The corridors here were huge, with hundreds upon hundreds of rooms. Rumour was, this place had been a prison in times past, but there had been little use for it... until the elves had lost the war of course. Daris could only hear the echoes of his footsteps on the stone floor until he reached the reception area that was vacant as usual, he’d only seen the manager once and even then it was only to receive his apartment key. Daris pushed open the front door, a buzzer going off at reception to indicate it had opened. He stepped out onto the street, the busy bustle of the city a welcome change to the clingy silence of the apartment block. Looking up he spotted the intercity sky train speeding by, a leftover from the old times. Daris set off walking towards one of the many squares throughout the city, here within the city walls the city was kept beautiful, patrolled by the top police force that only the rich long-lived elves could afford. He moved out of the square and onto a sloping street that would take him directly to the academy, at the top of the sloping hill Daris looked back down... the sight was truly breathtaking as he looked over the pristine white walls, that radiated light and the houses that had remained almost unchanged for thousands of years.

A short time later Daris arrived at the academy gates, walking in as the other students began to arrive... he’d always prided himself on being early and that view had certainly been worth it. He was snapped from his thoughts as someone bumped into him, nearly knocking them both over.

“Ah, I’m so sorry!” a short, dark-haired boy said, bowing his head.

“Don’t worry about it, accidents happen” Daris replied, waiting for the other boy to raise his head.

“Wow, look how brown your skin is. You must be from Vesparia, I’ve only seen your people in visual dramas” the boy said in genuine giddiness.

It was a strange reaction, but Daris supposed few people here would’ve met anyone from his homeland.

“Yeah, my mother wanted me to be a visual actor, but I preferred learning, besides, everyone wants to be a vis actor right?” He replied, offering the other boy a hand. “I’m Daris, Daris Brevar.”

The dark haired boy shook his hand. “Nice to meet you Daris, I’m Kian Fei, my family are all Mages, but I have little aptitude for magic so I threw my self into school... can you believe it though, we’re amongst the top two hundred in the world, I can’t wait to start.”

The two of them walked across the yard together, passing by a large fountain in the centre that had a statue of Sollest perched atop a large plinth, he had been the previous king of Keldran, having died during the human elf war hundreds of years ago.

“Where did you place in your school then?” Kian asked him suddenly as they entered the school through its automated main doors.

“Oh, I placed first... I was the only one in my whole school that made it through to higher education” he replied with a slight smile. “Don’t get me wrong, my classmates weren’t stupid, it’s just that agricultural work takes priority in Vesparia, normally our only way out is as visual actors, but my mother pushed me hard through school. Guess it paid off though.”

“Well, in three years we’ll be able to take our pick of universities Daris,” Kian said happily, confident he’d pass through school like a breeze.

As they talked aimlessly Daris found they’d be in the same class, he could breathe a sigh of relief now that he at least knew someone here. Their form room was a large room with twenty enclosed, black desks arranged in a four by five rectangle, each one had the students name engraved on a bronze plaque. Daris marvelled as Kian found his desk first and sat down, a scanner built into the desk ran over him.

“This is so weird Daris” he announced, a little perturbed at the sudden scan.

The desk finished scanning and began to open up, Daris came to stand behind Kian and watch. A built-in monitor lit up as a touch keyboard appeared by his hands.

“This is so cool!” Kian declared.

“We didn’t have anything like this... not even in the capital” Daris responded in awe.

“It’s just a desk,” a girl said from another desk. “What backwater are you two from?”

Daris wanted to take a dislike to her... but she was so pretty, he felt mesmerised as she flicked her long brown hair over her shoulder. The girl’s pale skin seeming to illuminate against her green eyes.

“I’m from Vesparia, my name’s Daris, Daris Brevar,” He said nervously, though he managed not to stumble over his words.

“How sweet, a country bumpkin made it to Keldran academy” she declared happily, getting up from her desk to examine him.

She skipped over, her thigh length green skirt flowing as she went.

“Are you two okay? Your faces are red” she asked, her face the picture of feigned innocence.

“Yes... we’re fine... what’s your name anyway?” Kian asked, obviously annoyed by her.

“Oh my, how rude of me!” she declared. “I’m Gena Highwater, I finished top of the year for Cerdic, pleased to meet you,” she told them with a perfect smile, Daris felt his heart melt.

Then without another word she went back to her desk as more students funnelled into the form room.

“I’d best find my desk,” he said to Kian before moving off.

His desk, it turned out was behind Gena, behind him was a pretty, blonde, half-elf girl and to his left side a red-haired girl, both had long hair tied back in a ponytail. He looked down at his screen as a message popped up.

‘Hi,’ it read.

As he looked around Daris saw the elf girl waving at him, her cheeks a little flushed. He turned his chair around, glad they were on wheels.

“Hi, I’m Daris, Daris Brevar,” He said as kindly as possible.

“Oh, I’m... I’m Kaitlyn Lassit...” she replied shyly, trying not to make eye contact.

“It’s a pleasure, Kaitlyn... I’ve never met a half-elf before, are you all this pretty?” he asked, his words coming out before realising what he was saying.

Kaitlyn’s face went red as she began to mumble, fidgeting with her desk... he’d made things awkward with ten percent of his classmates now, perhaps he should quit talking to people for a while. Daris turned back to his desk once more, hoping he hadn’t ruined Kaitlyn’s first day. The door slid open and Daris looked up, seeing a tall, handsome elf stride into the room wearing an expensive looking suit, his long dark hair swept back behind his ears.

“Good morning form one A, I will be your tutor for the next three years. My name is Falhion Vendrass, but you will call me Mister Drass or teacher... non-compliance will be punished. Mercilessly... are we all clear?” He told them, his voice dripping with scorn.

The class nodded in response, it seemed like everyone was as terrified as he was.

“I will now take roll call, respond with ‘here.’ Failure to comply will be dealt with... swiftly” Mister Drass told them all, scanning the classroom like a hawk.

He began roll call, with his name being first. “Daris Brevar!”

“Here!” He replied stiffly and not without a little fear.

“From Vesparia I see,” Mister Drass said to himself, but loudly enough for everyone to hear. “It was such a lovely place... until it was infested by humans anyway.”

Daris has never felt so small as he tried to hide pathetically behind his desk. Mister Drass continued through the register, though everyone else got away without comment.

“Kaitlyn Lassit,” he called out finally, though his demeanour changed somewhat.

“Are you a follower of Yindar?” He asked.

“N...no sir, followers of Yindar would’ve seen my mother executed,” she replied nervously.

Daris knew there was tension between elves and their half-elf cousins, but execution seemed harsh.

“Well, you have nothing to fear in Keldran. You’ve been accepted here since Queen Lunathion started her rule, her joined is quite fond of your people as well” Mister Drass told her, sounding quite comforting... in his own way.

Their tutor then proceeded to lay out their timetable for the day, though as it was orientation, there were few actual lessons, with most of the day being taken up with a tour of the school grounds. They started by receiving a tutorial on how to use their desks properly, though most had already figured it out and now proceeded to send messages to each other.

“Please note” Mister Drass said suddenly. “That inappropriate messages will be flagged, then be sent to my screen.”

Several of his classmates looked mortified at the news.

“Yes Lisa, I’m aware that students think of me like that... now then, our first stop will be the gymnasium, how about you run a hundred laps of it for me,” he said in a kindly manner that belied his malevolence.

Lisa, a small girl with blonde hair, streaked with pink, went bright red and hid behind her desk, much as he had. He caught a glimpse of Kian, who seemed to be keeping a low profile... it was a good plan. The class stood when Mister Drass commanded, following the intimidating elf down the hall before descending a staircase at the end. Daris wondered how he was to remember where everything was, the school looked pristine, with few distinguishing features between rooms. All thoughts of the school vanished though as they entered the gymnasium, he couldn’t believe the scale of it.

“Lisa, please remove those pretty shoes of yours,” Mister Drass asked calmly. “I do hope you brought your gym trainers today.”

“Y...yes sir,” she replied nervously, changing her footwear as quickly as her trembling hands would allow.

“Well?” Mister Drass asked after a minute. “Get running girl, clockwise if you will.”

Lisa began running and Daris wondered if they’d survive the years here. Realising he was staring, Daris turned his gaze back, but Mr. Drass had already noticed.

“You thinking that’s what you’d like to be doing?” his teacher asked calmly.

Daris felt his face go red as he panicked. “No sir, not all.”

“That’s a shame then... get running, follow Lisa if you will.”

Daris’ head dropped before he set off after Lisa, unlike her though, Daris still wore his regular shoes. After only a short time he’d caught up to Lisa, his fitness level was pretty high after all, he doubted many did much exercise, Daris’ own fitness a result of hard labour on his parent's farm back home.

“Can’t. Keep. Running” Lisa panted, out of breath after such a short time.

“Talking will only drain your stamina faster” he replied curtly, if only he hadn’t been checking her out.

“Why are you running laps?” she asked after a short time. “Were you sending messages about how hot Mr. Drass is too?”

Daris baulked as his face went red, seriously? he’d thought she’d been bad mouthing him... what was wrong with her, Mr. Drass was scary as all hell.

“Not exactly, I...” He broke off, jogging on ahead of her slightly.

All the girls here were so cute, not like back home... though he missed his friends, especially Gailia...

“Wait up!” Lisa called, coming up beside him. “Don’t leave me behind, Mr. Drass’ll kill me if you pull ahead.”

Daris sighed, keeping pace with her would certainly conserve his energy after all.

“Alright then, but you owe me.”

“O... okay then, I can’t believe this is happening on our first day” she replied, her eyes tearing up in frustration.

Daris nodded in reply, this was certainly more in line with school life in Vesparia. He ground his teeth in frustration, this Mr. Drass definitely had a vendetta against him. They continued to run the perimeter of the gymnasium together, though Daris always kept an eye on his classmates where possible, what were they being told while he and Lisa endured this torment?

Daris heard his and Lisa’s names called, looking up at the gym clock he realised they’d been running for an hour and a half... this place was insane!

“How did you both find the tour?” Mr. Drass asked them, a smirk on his face.

Lisa tried to reply but was completely out of breath, her chest heaving as she sucked in air desperately.

“It’s impressive” Daris replied coolly. “The best engineers in the commonwealth must have built it.”

Mr. Drass didn’t rise to his baiting, instead, he seemed impressed at Daris’ defiance.

“Indeed, humans can certainly build to a functional degree, but you lack the ability to create something truly beautiful like my people” he replied, such a statement should’ve felt insulting, yet there was a respect under the words.

“Come now class, as the top tier in the world, there is someone that wishes to meet you.”

Mr. Drass led them back out of the gymnasium, Daris having to carry Lisa out, her legs like jelly as they left.

“Thanks for carrying me” she whispered in his ear.

Daris went a little red, her warm breath tantalising on his ear.

“D...don’t worry about it, I could hardly leave a friend behind” he replied, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“And I was so worried no one would like me” Lisa sighed, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I felt the same... but everyone is nice here” he replied, feeling Lisa’s hair brush against his cheek.

What was he doing? He’d seen everyone glancing at the two of them, if rumour milling had been bad at his school, it would certainly be worse here. Though, would being linked with Lisa really be that bad?

They walked back down the hallways and turned left before their homeroom, exiting the school building and entering into an open space. Inside stood the Keldran royal guard, each of them dressed in blue combat armour and white suits, with the infinite dragon on their breast. All of them carried tactical assault rifles, a pistol on their hip and an arming sword on the other, they looked regal with their long white capes, nearly as regal as the two figures that sat waiting at the far side of the quad.

“Kneel before the queen!” announced Mr. Drass before dropping to one knee himself.

Daris lowered Lisa down gently, steadying her as she tried to stay balanced. He heard footsteps as the two previously seated elves came to them, surely they should have remained seated.

“Please Falhion, there’s no need for you to kneel. And please, the rest of you stand” the woman said, her voice was gentle, yet resonated with a surprising strength.

Daris stood with the others, helping Lisa to her feet... at least she could stand by herself now.

“I see you’ve been pushing them hard again Falhion, it’s nice to see some things don’t change” the tall, regally dressed elf said with a chuckle.

Daris hadn’t expected to meet the Queen of Keldran... Lunathion, the name was legendary, a warrior queen that had witnessed the emergence of humanities domination. She was beautiful, as all elves were... yet more so, standing at least half a head taller than himself, she wore a flowing white dress, embroidered with lace and the symbol of Keldran, the infinite dragon.

“Prince Kiernon, it seems you too have changed little since our last encounter” Mr. Drass replied, a wide smile on his face.

Daris had found his homeroom teacher intimidating, but Prince Kiernon was on a whole new level, he was taller and more heavily muscled, a strange contrast to the other lithe elves around them. He also had an artificial arm, though it was an old metal style rather than the synthetic ones used nowadays. He wore similarly fancy clothing, knee-high black leather boots, white britches and a blue jacket woven with silver thread over a white ruffled shirt. It I’ll suited him though, his long wild hair more suited to the warriors of legend.

“I can’t deny that, but I'm sure these youngsters are loathe to stand and listen to us all day" Prince Kiernon replied with a smile, a kindly smile that lightened what was a hard face.

Queen Lunathion shook her head, perhaps having expected better from her husband.

"As class one A you are the very best the world over. Keldran academy accepts only a hundred students a year and so getting here alone is something worthy of praise. I know many of you are from prestigious families, though it makes me happy to see those from less... affluent backgrounds here."

Daris knew she was addressing him... but he felt pride, knowing that he'd be the first of many to make it from Vesparia. Queen Lunathion smiled at him before continuing.

"So study hard and keep our school at the top of the academic league. But most of all, enjoy your time here."

Mr. Drass bowed, shooting them all a stare that said there'd be trouble if they didn't follow suit immediately. They all bowed, Lisa swaying a little as she leant over. The royal party left, and as the final few guards exited the area, chattering broke out amongst the other students.

"Can you believe that Daris?" Kian asked, his face still bearing a broad smile.

"Not really, who'd have thought a farm kid from Vesparia would meet royalty" he replied earnestly.

"Not that, I meant how hot is Queen Lunathion?" he whispered so Mr. Drass didn't hear.

"You know she's over a thousand years old right?" Lisa whispered from beside them, she seemed recovered now that gossip was flowing.

"Maybe I like older women" Kian replied defensively.

"And here I was thinking you'd fallen in love with me," Gena said in mock exasperation, passing Kian by with a flick of her hair.

"Ah... well, I... er..." he stammered.

Daris felt bad for his friend, he needed to develop a quick wit, and fast, especially if there were more girls like Gena about.

"So Daris, are you going to take advantage of this broken-hearted damsel?" she teased, grabbing onto his arm and smiling seductively at him.

"We'll see how the day goes shall we?" he stated, not rising to her teasing.

There had been a lot of girls like Gena back home, they tried to break up couples and friends... though none were as pretty as she was.

"And you're confident! Keep this one close Lisa, I might want him" Gena told her, though she squeezed his arm tighter whilst speaking.

"He's not my boyfriend Gena, but he is nice, so don't mess with him," Lisa told her, a stern look on her face.

"Alright, alright..." Gena said as she waved off Lisa with her free hand.

"But you intrigue me, Daris Brevar" she whispered in his ear before squeezing his rear playfully.

Gena walked back towards the rest of the class, Kian shaking his fist at her in anger.

"I really hate her" he declared angrily, Daris was sure he could see steam rising from his friends shaved head.

"Just ignore her act" Lisa chipped in. "She's been like that since high school..."

"Right class, back to homeroom!" Mr. Drass bellowed suddenly, all conversation ceasing immediately.

Daris couldn't help wondering what Lisa was going to add about Gena, Kian seemed content to hate her though as they filed back through the corridors and into their homeroom. Daris sat back at his desk and was greeted by a message from Kaitlyn, her name now coming up as the sender.

'You didn't make me feel uncomfortable, what you said was really nice.'

Daris turned round to see Kaitlyn blushing. He smiled and turned around once more, catching Gena quickly look away from him... what was with that girl.

"Now that you're all seated, I have something pleasant to announce," Mr. Drass told them, which meant it wasn't going to be nice at all. "That's right, aptitude tests. Don't worry about scores, it'll only determine your future in the school, top boy and girl will be your class representatives."

The test appeared and stayed sealed, probably until Mr. Drass unlocked them.

"Is there any benefits to being class rep Mr. Drass sir?" the red-haired girl beside him asked.

"No Jane, there are not" he replied happily.

"Then, can we turn down the position?" she asked, a little concerned.

"No, no you can't," Mr. Drass said with an evil smile.

Perhaps Prince Kiernon had defeated Mr. Drass years ago and forced him to be a teacher, Daris had never seen a man delight this much in others suffering. Mr. Drass sat down at his desk and hovered his finger over his tablet.

"You will have one hour to finish, it's multiple subjects so do your best... oh, and anyone that scores under eighty percent will be running a lap of the gym per percent you fail by. I hope you're all as fit as Daris... and begin!" he declared.

As soon as the lock on his screen turned green Daris opened the file, he was worried, had his tests been easier because he lived in Vesparia? Could he even compete with the other students? The questions posed though seemed simple to him though and after a half hour Daris sat back in his chair, letting out a sigh, the test had been pretty easy after all that worry. Though keeping up with his studies whilst moving had probably helped. He shot a quick glance around, everyone else still had their heads down, focusing on the test... except Gena, she just looked bored now. Daris locked his test paper, and after confirming it was finished the system sent it to Mr. Drass' computer. His tutor looked up, an eyebrow raised at his quick completion. His screen unlocked a few moments later with only Gena available to message. There was little else to do so he tapped out a quick message.

‘How’d you find the test?’

Gena looked up from what he assumed was a daydream and peered at her monitor.

‘You've finished already? you guess all the questions?’ Gena replied a moment later, smirking as she half turned towards him.

Daris smiled, she really was bitchy.

‘Yeah, I was only just clever enough to get in... this stuffs beyond me’ he lied, two could play at this game.

Gena snorted as she stifled a laugh, but she sent no more messages. The time passed slowly as a steady stream of students finished and their messaging systems unlocked. Lisa finished with ten minutes to spare and he quickly shot her a message asking her how it had gone. All he got back was ‘:(‘ in reply. She really was kind of hopeless. As Kaitlyn finished he received a message from her.

‘Can we talk after school? By the fountain at the gates?’

Daris wondered what she wanted, but there didn’t seem any reason not to.

‘Sure, looking forward to it x.’

Before he’d realised he’d put a kiss at the end Daris had sent it, his face turning crimson in embarrassment. He quickly ventured a look back at Kaitlyn to see her smiling happily at him... that was good, he supposed.

“And stop!” Me. Drass shouted suddenly, making everyone jump involuntarily.

“While we wait on the results to be processed, I was surprised to find that some students must be guessing answers... not a good start to your term,” he told them, but staring dead straight at Daris.

Even his tutor thought he was thick, did they all really believe he’d taken easier tests? that he was just some bumpkin from the rural south? He felt angry, angrier than he thought he would have. Kaitlyn sent him another message as they waited.

‘I bet we both did well, minority power!’

He looked round to see her pumping her fist, Daris couldn’t help laughing.

“Something funny Daris?” Mr. Drass asked menacingly.

“No sir, well... not really” he replied awkwardly.

“Then be silent, why do you think I let you message each other?”

Daris shrank back behind his desk, Mr. Drass standing slowly as he held up the test results.

“For a bit of fun, the results are hidden... until I swipe the row. Are you all ready?” He asked.

Many shook their heads, others looked mortified, Gena though looked calm and composed, seeming more bored than anything.

He swiped the bottom result. “Lisa, why you must love exercise. Though, seventy-eight percent is commendable.”

Lisa shuddered at the thought of running even two laps and dropped her head onto her desk. Two more failed by one percent, though in reality, a sixty-nine percent was a pass at exam level. Kian had scored eighty-six and Kaitlyn a ninety... yet as the last boy's name was read out his name hadn’t come up yet... which made him the top boy... and Gena top girl, had he beaten her?

“So second in the class is... Gena?” Mr. Drass said, a little in awe.

“So by process of elimination Daris, you’re first... though it seems you both scored a hundred percent, you go ahead in alphabetical order. I guess congratulations are in order, I sorely underestimated you Brevar, my apologies” Mr. Drass told him, a nod of respect being sent his way.

“Thank you, sir, I tried my hardest” he replied rather stiffly, perhaps he wouldn’t have to battle his tutor for three years after all.

“You too Gena, but we both knew you’d ace this” Mr. Drass said to her, Gena though simply stared at Daris, he couldn’t tell if it was out of shock or utter contempt.

The rest of their school time was spent going through school policies and locations, Mr. Drass explaining that the roof area had been off limits until last year, when, after years of it being a confession and lovers spot, it had been turned into a summer cafeteria. Finally, as four o'clock came and the end of school bell rang Daris stretched out, feeling like he'd been sitting forever.

"Alright class, today was easy. Be prepared to work hard, Keldran academy has a high standard to maintain. Lisa, Mika and Francis, get to the gymnasium... you owe me some laps" Mr. Drass told them as the mentioned pupils baulked, looking like they were about to cry.

"Daris take my place" Lisa begged, kneeling before him and tugging on his blazer.

"Well, I would, but I promised to meet Kaitlyn... like, now" he replied, prying her hands away.

Lisa shot up, pushing him towards the classroom's door.

"Then get going you dumbass, don't keep a lady waiting" Lisa reprimanded him.

"Lisa! get to the gymnasium now!" Mr. Drass bellowed, making Lisa shoot to attention before running from the classroom.

"That girl's going to be the death of me this year" Mr. Drass lamented, walking from the classroom ahead of him.

"Lisa! I said move it!" Daris heard a moment later.

Daris found Kaitlyn waiting by the fountain, the crowds of students having mostly left now. She looked nervous, and now he was feeling the same, what did she want? was she going to chew him out for his message earlier. The last of the students passed them by as he came within a few feet of her, Kaitlyn's face seemed flushed, she looked so cute.

"I'm glad you came. I, I wanted to ask you something... Daris" she said shyly as she clasped her hands nervously.

Was she going to tell him she liked him? they'd just met, but, wow, that someone as pretty as Kaitlyn was interested... he'd accept in a heartbeat.

"Daris I, well, I..."

Before she could finish, Daris felt someone grab him from behind.

"What's going on here? are we making plans for the weekend?" Gena asked from behind, mischief clear in her voice.

"Well, I... was going to..." Kaitlyn stammered, Gena's interference shaking her frail confidence.

"Why don't we all go into central Keldran tomorrow?" Gena butted in, pointing to a nearby wall.

A moment later Lisa and Kian appeared from behind it looking guilty.

"It's not what it looks like" Kian protested, his nervous expression saying otherwise.

"Seems like you were eavesdropping," Gena said in a disappointed tone, Daris noted she still hadn't let go of his arm though.

"No, we wouldn't... well, perhaps a little" Lisa replied with a nervous laugh.

Daris wasn't disappointed, he was glad he had some friends who were interested in him.

"How about it Kaitlyn? Shall we see Keldran together?" he asked the young half-elf, hoping she would read the subtext.

"Yes," she said immediately, then composed herself. "I mean, that would be lovely."

"It's a date then, we'll all meet up here tomorrow morning, say nineish?" Gena said cheerfully, rubbing herself up against him.

Kaitlyn's fists clenched as she nodded, turning and walking away. Kaitlyn's hair seemed to flow in her wake, the ethereal majesty of the elves Daris thought.

"Why are you still clinging to me, Gena? You already ruined Kaitlyn's moment" Daris told the irritating woman, shaking her off his arm.

"Oh, did I?" she replied innocently, her pretty face would almost be enough to convince anyone else.

"Of course you did. This is because I beat you in the test isn't it?" Daris raged, instinctively grabbing her arm.

"Are you getting rough with me? Don't be shy now" she teased, controlling him easily.

Daris let go and composed himself, then Gena grabbed his shirt and pulled him in close, so close the others might get the wrong idea.

"Of course it's about that test! how can a bumpkin like you beat me? I can't decide whether I want to date you or kick your ass."

Gena let go of his shirt, leaving him perplexed at the sudden shift in personality. Gena walked past him, stopping a few feet away before turning back to him.

"Don't disappoint me Daris Brevar, I haven't had a rival, Ever. And here I thought school would be boring again this year."

Gena looked him dead in the eye, a dangerous look that threatened to devour him whole.

"See you tomorrow then. Don't forget now Lisa, or you, you strange short person" she laughed, pointing to Kian who ground his teeth in anger.

Once Gena had left it felt like he'd survived a whirlwind passing by. Lisa and Kian came over to stand by him.

"You couldn't have attracted a normal girl Daris?" Kian asked, letting out a deep sigh.

"It's not like I tried to... I mean Kaitlyn certainly. But Gena? she seems a bit intense for me" Daris reasoned, though Gena had a dangerous attraction to her he couldn’t deny.

"Please date Kaitlyn, I really hate Gena. Besides, if you reject her I can rub it in her face" Kian said with a manic delight.

"Dude, that's pretty dark" Daris chided him, shaking his head.

"Yeah, too far Kian" Lisa agreed, mirroring Daris.

"Give me a break, the girl's pure evil."

Daris wasn't sure about that, but he knew he hadn't seen the real Gena yet, just the mask she wore... that's what Lisa had meant to tell them earlier, he was sure of it.

“Lisa?” He asked suddenly.

“Yeah” she replied with a puzzled look.

“Weren’t you meant to run laps?”

“I ditched Mr. Drass a while ago” she stated without fear.

“You know he’ll probably kill you, right” Kian chipped in.

Lisa walked towards the school gates shakily.

“Then I’ll have to make the most of this weekend won’t I.”

Before anyone had noticed, Mr. Drass was stood behind her, smoke flitting away on the summer breeze.

“No one escapes Archmage Falhion Vendrass” he stated menacingly, grabbing her shoulders before they both vanished.

“Is she dead?” Kian asked, a little terrified.

“I think that might be a more merciful fate” Daris replied.

He could only imagine Lisa's fate as the two of them walked home.

#new novel #high school #romance #future fantasy #chapter 1 #DavidMMSidders #keldran academy #year 1

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