Circle Quartet: 43

Chapter 43

Tonight is my birthday! I wake up an hour earlier than usual – it’s winter so the night time is kind of long. I’m thinking of throwing a party, maybe a small party since Alse had destroyed some parts of this Academy, including the Dining Hall – but half of the damages were rebuild two days ago. When I was small, Mom and Dad will throw a surprise party for me, and Stefan. The best part of it, we could choose any cakes that we want – of course I chose chocolate cake. And the birthday party is still going on until today.

I discuss with Jeff what to do for tonight. We’re planning to make a surprise party for them since they’re not so happy in this past two days. Everybody is busy with re-constructing the damage – but for the Wizards and Witches, the work is much easier, just cast some spells and things get back to normal. I also helped the librarian to re-arrange and sort the books. I also volunteer to give help at the Healing Chamber as well as visiting Joseph who is recovering day by day.

And now here I am, thinking of what kind of foods that need to be served for my birthday party.

“How about simple delicacies? We don’t have to think of the supreme foods. Simple is better and it doesn’t take much time. I can help you with the cakes,” says Jeff as I’m scribbling the recipes on a rough paper.

“Okay, simple is nice. But we need some people to help us. We can’t prepare all those things by ourselves. Stefan said that he’ll do the decoration, which I highly doubt it. Ace will do the cooking – but I haven’t consult with him yet. And Beatrice and Saffron will help me with the dress,” I scribble those three name on the paper. “How’s that?” I turn to Jeff who is leaning against the wall beside my study table.

“That’s great. All we need is to consult Ace and tell those guys not to spread the word, not until 12 midnight tonight. I’ve checked the Dining Hall this morning and afternoon. They won’t use it until it is completely re-build,” smiles Jeff.

“Good! Let’s consult Ace at once!” I grab Jeff’s hand and teleport to Ace’s room where he shares it with Sable. And thank God, Sable is not here. If not, he’s definitely going to spread this whole plan. Sable is not good in keeping little secrets.

Ace is lying on the bed, reading comics. He’s taken aback by my presence. After that, I tell him about my plan and he agrees to help me with cooking. He says that he’s going to make a special chocolate cake, just for me.

We don’t take much time to decorate the Dining Hall. Most of the Elders are having discussion upon Alse who will come back sooner or later. I know that she’ll come back to get her revenge but there’s no way I’m going to cancel my birthday party! At least I’ll have some fun before facing her for good.

Beatrice and Saffron are very helpful in choosing the right attire for me. This time I don’t wear gown or anything with skirt. I’m wearing my vampire suit and yes, it is perfect! We gather at the Dining Hall 15 minutes before midnight. Most of the clans are already there, taking their seats. I wave at Stefan who is talking with Zayne and they compliment my look. Stefan wears his best werewolf attire and I really love seeing him in his black leather jacket and black jeans. The Elders enter the Dining Hall few minutes later and they’re very shock to see the decorations. Even Mom and Dad slightly forgotten about my birthday today!

Stefan and I stand on a mini stage, made by Nash and Tavis. Ace pushes a food trolley where he puts the cakes on. All of them sing ‘Happy Birthday’ song delightfully. Stefan and I blow the candle and make a wish. Then the hall is filled with round of applause. Then the eating ceremony begins. Grandma Zelda and Grandma Maegan enjoy the meal, made special by Ace himself.

Stefan and I receive lots of present and we are still waiting for the special gift soon. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake menacingly. All of us are starting to get panic. Then, we hear an evil cackling right from below. It’s Alse! She’s going to ruin my birthday party!

“Well, well, well. What do I see here? A party!” she smirks as she looks around.

“You finally came,” says Grandma Zelda calmly.

“Of course, Zelda. I don’t want to miss this lovable party. You know I love to go to parties. I always got the invitation back then,” she looks at Grandma Zelda and scowls. “But I didn’t get the invitation this time. Too bad for you for not inviting me.”

“Who wants to invite an old devil hag like you, Alse?” shouts Granddaddy Saba.

Alse chuckles. “You never change, Saba. Do you think a low life like you can stop me? You’re too old for that, the four of you. And your children, they aren’t strong enough to fight me.”

“Don’t get so cocky,” says Grandma Zelda.

Alse throws her head back and laughs. “Is that a joke? Zelda, dear, you should know me better,” Alse stops laughing and smile evilly. “I’m the strongest Witch in this universe and no one can stop me now. I’m more powerful than you can ever imagine.”

Alse walks slowly towards us and her evil smile never fade from her face. The Elders order everyone to leave the Dining Hall. They are ready to encounter the attack. Alse stops on her way and swings her right hands. In one blink, half of the Dining Hall is ruined. Lucky for us that Mom and Aunt Ada create the shield for us.

Dad and Uncle Azure whisper to me and Stefan to get out of here quickly before Alse knows it. I look at Stefan and he nods. I summon Jeff from my necklace and he’ll show us the way. Stefan and I quickly slip off from the crowd and we head to the Sacred Fountain as Jeff tells us to go there.

This place is bright as tonight is the full moon. Stefan and I walk towards the fountain where the crystal water flows gently. This is the Sacred Water where it will appear during full moon.

“Both of you need to drink the water," says Jeff.

“I want to say this before it’s too late,” says Stefan as he puts his hand on my shoulder. “Happy birthday, Alice.” He kisses my forehead.

It makes me stun for a while. I thought he wants to kiss on my lips.

“Yeah, happy birthday to you, too, Stefan,” I hug him.

“I’ll save my last kiss for the special occasion,” he pats on my head. And now I’m blushing!

“Okay, lovebirds. Time to drink the water,” Jeff clears his throat. Stefan and I chuckle. We scoop the water with our hands and drink it.

It tastes funny – I never drink this kind of water before. Then, I get this funny feeling inside my body. Is it true this water is sacred? Because I think I have a little headache.

“Biparita Mauntena Kristala!”

Suddenly a barrier appears around us! We’re trap!

Circle Quartet: 42

Chapter 42

This is disastrous. Everything is a total mess, like a hurricane just passed by.

This is where our proud Night Café was. Everybody loved to hang out here after the night class or training. The back door will be opened so that we could have some fresh night air and also moon-bathing; vampires and werewolves love it very much because it will gain our strength. There were stalls here and there, selling most delicious foods and mid-night snacks.

I loved hanging out here after training, especially. No matter how exhausted I was, it was compulsory for me to grab chocolate ice-cream stuffed in a bun or fresh lemon shake. There’s also a garlic bread stall which sold the most sumptuous garlic bread in the whole world. I always grabbed more than 5 sticks per night.

But now, no more Night Café. No more students hang out here, laughing and chatting in excitement. Everything was destroyed in one blink.

Suddenly, we hear someone’s groan not very far from here. There are still wounded people around here. We search for the sound but carefully step on the debris and broken tables and chairs for we don’t want to step on the injured people.

“Guys, over here!” shouts Ace as he found one of them. Three people are injured and one of them is Jeff’s best friend.

“Joseph!” I gasp. He’s lying on the ground helplessly with deep wounds on his chest and stomach.

“Alice…,” he calls me weakly. “You came.”

“Did Alse attack you?” I ask furiously.

Joseph slowly shakes his head. “Monsters…,” then he groans in pain.

“We need to take these wounded guys to the Healing Chamber,” says Stefan and carefully lifts Joseph wounded body by slipping his arms under Joseph’s shoulder.

“Let me do the teleportation. You need to save your energy, Alice,” says Ace and cast a teleportation spell.

As we arrive at the Healing Chamber, I shout for Aiden. There are lots of wounded people in here and the doctors and nurses are rushing here and there to treat them. Aiden comes within no time and asks Stefan to carry Joseph in the Emergency Room for his injuries are far worse than the other two.

My Mini beeps as I’m waiting at the Waiting Hall with Ace and Stefan. It’s from Dad.

“Dad,” I call him as I push the blue button.

“Alice, where are you, honey?” Asks Dad worryingly.

“I’m at the Healing Chamber with Stefan and Ace,” I reply.

“What? Are you guys hurt?” Now Dad is super worry.

“No…not at all. We found three wounded people as we entered the back door; one vampire and two shape-shifters. We quickly sent them here,” I explain. Dad lets out a sigh of relief.

“I’ve just got rid of several monsters with your uncles. We’re now at the Elders’ Chamber.”

“You want us to go there?”

“It’s okay. I’ll meet you guys there. Bye.”

Dad hangs up the phone and few second later, he appears in front of us. Ace squeals in surprise as Dad appeared. Dad laughs out loud and I shush him. I point to the sign ‘Silent Please’. Dad clears his throat but still wants to laugh.

We tell him about Joseph and the other two. Dad tells us that Alse sent her underlings and monsters from the underground. She wants to lure me to her trap because she thought that I was here in the first place. Those monsters and the underlings have been defeated but Alse may send more and we need to get ready for that.

“By the way, your grandmother has contacted them. They will arrive soon,” informs Dad with a smile. “Oh, I need to go to your Mom. Make sure you guys drop by to the Elders’ Chamber. Everybody is waiting for you.” Dad ruffles my hair. I roll my eyes irritatingly and Dad chuckles then disappears.

Aiden comes out from the Emergency Room just about Dad has gone. He tells us that Joseph is quite stable but he needs to rest for he lost too much blood. I thank him and tell him that I’ll be visiting Joseph soon.

Everyone is so delighted to see the three of us unharmed. Mom and Aunt Amethyst hug me and Stefan tightly. I know they’re very worried. Ace gets a little jealous because no one hugs him. Then Mom pinches his cheek and everybody laughs. Ace doesn’t like his cheeks getting pinched.

There are foods served on the dining table. I’m starving right now so I gobble the food up, as well as Ace. Stefan is hungry too, I guess, but he doesn’t gobble up his food. I know this one has manners. Mom scolds me and Ace for gobbling up the food like hungry wolves. I drink two bottles of double-purify blood. Dad says that the blood is enough for me to stay awake for two weeks.

“Now that reminds me, did Alse’s stupid monsters destroy the Underground Chamber and Blood Supply Room?” I ask as I lick my fingers heartily. Ace lets out a loud burp and Mom threatens him to turn into cockroach if he did that again.

“They appears around the compound before destroys the four main doors,” replies Grandma Zelda.

“Then the blood supplies are safe?” I ask excitedly.

Grandma Zelda smiles and nods. I cheer in delight.

“But you don’t need to drink that kind of blood anymore, Alice,” Grandma Maegan cuts in. “I’ve made a special drink for you and this is for the upcoming war. We need your strength,” Grandma Maegan turns to Stefan who is wiping his mouth with the kerchief as he finished his meal, “and you too, Stefan. Only the two of you can destroy Alse.”

Two of us? I look at Stefan and he looks at me too. Now there’s something fishy is going on here. It likes the Elders know something that we don’t.

“What do you mean, Grandma Maegan?” I ask.

“The answer is in the library,” says Grandma Maegan without averting her eyes on me.

My heart crumbles when I see my favourite spot is nearly destroyed. Half of the books were burned. The shelves crushed on the floor. My favourite reading place is also turn into dust. I think I’m going to cry but Stefan slowly pats my shoulder and points to the librarians who are busy re-building the broken shelves and walls.

I approach them and they greet me with pleasure. One of them, Mr. Dun, whom I close the most, tells me everything. He, too, is sad to see this library being destroyed and he couldn’t protect all the books here.

“And they stole some of the books too,” says Mr. Dun.

The monsters stole the book? What for? Can they read? Are they trying to…wait a minute!

“Mr. Dun, where are the old inscriptions were kept?” I ask as I realize something.

“Now that you mention it, we keep them in the secret room. Only we, the librarians know the code word. Come, let me show you,” says Mr. Dun and we follow him behind. He stops at the old grey shelf with full of dust. Then, he taps his wand on the shelf and says the code word. The shelf opens like a door and Mr. Dun asks us to come inside with him. And lo and behold, bundles of old inscriptions neatly arranged in the box like pigeons hole.

“Wow…this is amazing!” I look around with an amuse expression. Stefan, on the other hand, whistles amusingly.

“Not all people from all the clan can enter this secret room. The Elders told me once that when the time come, I have to give this to both of you,” Mr. Dun hands us two old golden inscriptions, wrapped in leather folders. Our names were carved on the folders.

“Thanks, Mr. Dun,” Stefan and I say in unison.

Mr. Dun nods and smiles. “All the answers that you seek are in there.”

Tagging Time!

Yeah! Tagging season. Thank you Sui for tagging me. I'm so delighted to answer you questions! Oh, here are the rules!

Link back the blogger who tagged you.

You must post the rules.

Answer the questions given by the person tagged you.

Tag eleven new bloggers.

Set eleven new questions for the bloggers tagged by you.

Inform them about the tag.

These are my questions that I need to answer :)

1.      Do you enjoy being tagged or is it annoying?

I really enjoy being tagged. Haha!

2.      What does hardship mean to you?

Hardship means challenge!

3.      Is it reasonable to be judgemental?

I think it depends on the situation.

4.      Would you be friends with a person who disagrees with your opinions and beliefs but doesn’t mind hanging out with you?

Yeah. I be-friend with all kind of people, except the evil ones.

5.      What are the actions that make you believe that you are treasured by a certain person?

That person shows that he/she accept me as I am.

6.      What do you prefer to do in your free time?

Writing my novel.

7.      What is it that cheers you after a day of hardwork?

Food!

8.      When is your birthday?

20 October

9.      What do you think of the current state of the world?

More people are living misreably.

10.  You had been saving money to buy an item that you had been eyeing for days. How would you feel when you finally buy that item and found it to be a defective piece?

OHH! Frustrated! I’ll lose my appetite for 5 days in a row!

11.  As far as you have come to know about me, what kind of person do you preceive me to be?

Be who you are!

Okay, my turn to ask the questions!

Do you get scared in the dark?

Who is the last person make you cry?

What’s you worst fear?

What kind of hair/eyes colour do you like on the opposite sex?

Where can you see yourself proposing/being proposed to at?

Do you prefer coffee or energy drink?

What is your favourite pizza topping?

 If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?

What was the most meaningful gift you ever received?

Do you have crush?

Your favourite clothing brand?

You've been tagged!

Stuart

Chakir

Miss Boo

Mr. Key

Ashabul Islam

Einstein

Nani

Atiqa

Kopurians

Sis Bet

Farid

Circle Quartet: 41

Chapter 41

A quick yet urgent meeting is being held at our mansion. The Silvers are here too. We gather at the meeting room as Dad announces what has happened at the Academy. Mom and Aunt Ada will use their special magic to take everyone to the Academy in a short time. Uncle Yale, Uncle Archie and his family will stay at Sewra, in case Alse sends her monsters here. Uncle Archie still has small kids so he has to stay in Sewra. Uncle Yale, on the other hand, volunteers himself to protect Sewra together with his two sons, Alex and Harley.

“Raven, Macie,” Aunt Nadine turns to them, “we need both of you here. Arman will go to the Academy with them.”

“What?” Raven nearly shrieks. “Arman is still small, Mom. You can’t let him go there. It’s too dangerous for him.”

“Raven, I know you’re worried about him. But I believe in him. He’s smart and strong. In fact, Alse doesn’t know about his abilities. That’s why I’m sending him there,” says Aunt Nadine firmly.

Arman is the apple of Aunt Nadine’s eyes. He’s the one and only boy in his family. He’s such a quiet boy and loves to venture on his own but he has special abilities that no one knows but Aunt Nadine. Even Uncle Archie doesn’t know much about Arman’s abilities.

“Your mother is right, Raven. Armand will know what to do to stop Alse. Besides, he will go along with Beatrice. He’ll be safe there. Don’t worry,” says Uncle Archie assuringly.

“Alice, you will go with Stefan later. Alse is targeting both of you and she might be searching for you guys right now. Ace will fly you there. We will get in touch with Mini. Just wait for the signal,” Dad gives three of us the order. We nod in unison.

“We shouldn’t waste much time,” says Aunt Amethyst.

“She’s right. Ada, let’s do it,” says Mom and Aunt Ada nods. They take out a pouch which contains charcoal powder and spread it on the wooden floor.

“Kit Khstkel Tri Flash!” They form a triangle by pointing their index finger to the charcoal powder.

When the triangles are formed, Mom and Aunt Ada raise up their finger. “Starasma!”

A star symbol appears inside the triangle. Those who are going to the Academy step on the triangle. Then, it glows brightly.

“Take care!” I wave at them.

“We will. I’ll send you the signal soon!” Dad waves back and they vanish.

They have gone for half an hour and there’s still no signal from them. And I start to get worried. I don’t want Alse to hurt or kill anyone anymore. I want to tell Ace and Stefan to go to the Academy right now but this time I can’t act reckless. One stupid step and we’re all doom.

I sigh heavily and look at Stefan talking with my cute little cousins, Lacey and Sabrina. Their two puppies have grown up a little bit and those puppies love to play with Stefan. Werewolf and dog are very close, I guess. Stefan is telling them a story of Jack and the Beanstalk. He’s a good story-teller, especially with kids.

Then, my Mini is beeping. The signal. Finally!

“Guys!” I shout while waving my Mini. “I got the signal!”

Uncle Archie brings three of us to the garage and shows us the car that we should use. It looks like a Bat-Mobile but way cooler. We hop in the car and Ace start the ignition. I sit next to him while Stefan sits at the back.

“Have a save journey, kids. And remember to text us what happen at the Academy,” says Uncle Archie.

“We will. Don’t worry,” says Ace confidently.

“Do you know how to fly this car?” I ask Ace.

“’course I know, Alice. Trust me. We’ll get there in 10 minutes,” he smiles at me. Then he chants the spell. “Harappaketa Jazarpen Tuntunak!”

The car starts to float slowly. I quickly fasten my seatbelt and tell Stefan to do so. I’ve been in a flying car with Jeff before and I was nearly died of heart attack. Ace steps on the accelerator and off we go.

Lucky me, Ace is a careful driver. Even he drives fast, but still he’s aware of the surrounding. We dash off to the Academy and I try to call Dad. But there’s no signal. Worry starts to overwhelm my thoughts.

Stefan pats on my shoulder – I nearly elbow his head, and tell me to calm down. All we have to think of now is the strategy. Alse is definitely searching for me and Stefan and of course, she’ll bring down the Academy if she wants to and we don’t want that to happen.

As we nearly arrive, three flying creatures appear in front. I know this is Alse’s doing. I summon Jeff from my necklace and tell him to get on the car roof. Because of he’s a spirit, he just go through the roof and ready to receive my orders.

“Hold on tight, guys!” Ace swerves to the right and chant an attack spell. “Bliednaja Malanka!” A white-bluish lightning shoots those flying creatures. Then another three are coming from behind. Jeff hit them with the same spell.

“What was that?” asks Ace confusingly.

“Hey, focus on the front!” I jerk the steering wheel and we nearly spin in the air. Ace manages to control the car, scolding me for doing that.

“Guys, this is not the time to argue,” says Stefan, trying to stop us. “We have arrived.”

Ace quickly flies the car around the Academy and lands on the ground safely. We’re now at the back of the Academy. It kind of safe here because there’s no single weird creature appears.

But we’re shock when we enter the back door.

Circle Quartet: 40

Chapter 40

Waiting is a torture. Seriously. My team and I have been waiting in this room for nearly one hour except Stefan. He wants to go to the Healing Chamber to look after Cody. Since we brought him back last night, he has been hospitalised in the Healing Chamber.

The Elders are having an urgent meeting (I don’t think Granddaddy Saba is in there because most of the Main Clan is gathering at the Healing Chamber to look after Cody) while we have to wait for them in lounge. And I’m hungry. I didn’t get to grab some garlic bread sticks in the dining hall when I received the order from Grandma Maegan and Grandma Zelda.

“How long it’s going to take?” whines Raina. “It’s like we have to wait here forever!”

“This is a serious case, Raina. Just be patient,” sighs Beatrice. Raina have been whining every 5 minutes.

Then a butler comes in with a trolley. Food! Hurray! Finally, I can fill my empty stomach. The butler pours the tea in a cup and serves to each of us. Raina jumps up with joy when the butler serves the creamy puff waffles to her. The butler just nod. He even pours a glass of purified blood for me.

Actually, the butler isn’t a human. He’s Grandma Zelda’s underling (Grandma Zelda created him) and he doesn’t talk unless when we ask him something. After that, he pushes the trolley and vanishes into thin air. I sip the blood heartily, enjoying the liquid flows into my throat. I’m the one who drinks the purified blood.

Raina doesn’t whine anymore as she eats the waffles. Beatrice enjoys her sandwiches while I dip the garlic bread in the glass of blood. It tastes good, trust me. Few minutes later – after we have finished the foods, Grandma Zelda and the rest of the Elders come out from the meeting room. This is the moment that we’re all waiting for.

“It’s been decided,” announces Granddaddy Saba, “that Cody will be grounded for a year. He can’t participate in any missions or going to the class. He will put in a special chamber where we can observe him. Plus, he will be restricted to turn into a werewolf until the grounding session end.”

Now that’s shocking news. I wonder Cody will be able to face it.

After the meeting was adjourned, I go to the Healing Chamber to visit Cody. Stefan is already there so there’s no need to feel awkward – since Cody and I hate each other very much. I knock on the door thrice before opening it and those two are delighted to see me.

“Hey there, Vamp-Girl,” he greets me with a wide smile although his body is still weak. His face expression is way too different from the day I met him in this Academy. I really missed his soften eyes, his messy spiky hair, and of course, the smile.

“Hello, Wolf-Boy,” I grin and sit on a chair next to his bed. “Sorry I didn’t bring any presents.”

“Nah, it’s okay,” he chuckles.

He used to call me Vamp-Girl when we’re kids and I called him Wolf-Boy. We used to be good buddy since we’re 12 years old. I knew Cody during the party when Uncle Azure and his family moved back to Sewra.

I was sulking in a corner when Stefan ignored me as I greeted him. My heart was full with loath and hatred. And that time, Cody showed up, holding two fruit punches. I glared a death shot at him.

“A beautiful girl like you shouldn’t sit here alone. Here, have a drink,” he handed me the fruit punch with a smile.

I sigh and take the fruit punch. “Thanks,” I mutter. He sat next to me, drinking his fruit punch and asking me lots of questions.

We had a nice chit-chat that night and he loved to crack some jokes, just like Jeff. No one had interfered our conversation. He told me that Uncle Azure took him into his family after his father passed away. He never mentioned about his mother but I knew that he lost her too. He just didn’t want to tell me. When the party ended, he winked at me before he left and started from that day, he called me Vamp-Girl and I called him Wolf-Boy. Sometimes he called me Vee – Vampire for short.

I totally ignored Stefan when I was with Cody, until the day when Cody was sent to the family of his mother’s side. He was upset because he thought Uncle Azure hated him. He hated everyone including me. I was trying to tell him that I didn’t know anything about his mother being the minor of his clan. From that moment, he hated me so much, saying that I’m the worthless blood-sucker. And of course, I hated him too.

And now, here I am, laughing and having a good conversation with him. Just like the good-old-days except Stefan is with us too. We talk a lot about our childhood memories and Cody still remembers it vividly. We spent nearly an hour talking and Cody is looking more exhausted. Perhaps he needs to rest since his body is still weak.

“I think I should go now. You need to get some rest, Cody. And when you’re back to normal, we’re going to have some fun,” I wink at him as I stand up, ready to leave.

“Yeah. Sure. By the way, thank you for coming by,” he says, “and I’m sorry for what I had done to you. And about Jeff.”

“It’s okay. Let bygone be bygone. After all, I’m glad that you’re on the right track again,” I smile and pat on his arm gently.

“Thanks, Alice,” he sighs in relief.

I blink at him a few times. This is the first time he calls my name. And I’m glad that he did that.

But I never thought that that night is the last night for Cody. When I woke up this morning, Jeff told me that Cody is gone. I can’t believe the news so I search for Stefan but he’s nowhere to be seen. I get tired looking for Stefan so I take a rest at the fountain where the spot has been my favourite spot since I met my guardian. Well, I haven’t seen him lately. Maybe he’s off somewhere.

Suddenly, Stefan appears and sits next to me. I can see his saddened face from the half-moon light. I want to ask him about Cody but no word comes out. He sighs heavily and slowly holds my hand.

“I used to promise him that we’re going to be brothers forever and got each other’s back,” his voice is barely whisper. “But eventually, I couldn’t save him.”

I squeeze his hand gently.

“Last night, when we served him his favourite meal, he said that it’s so delicious like he’s going to die and go to heaven,” his voice becomes wobbly.

I can’t look to his face right now.

“His liver…has been taken out,” Stefan sobs.

I let out a loud gasp. How could…?

“I can’t save him, Alice. I can’t,” he cries bitterly.

That’s the first time I see Stefan cry. His tears drop like a shimmering crystal. I slowly hug him. I don’t know what to say right now but I know how he feels. Cody and he were very close, just like Jeff and I. I can’t help but let my tears flow quietly. I grip his trembling shoulder soothingly as he cries.

The funeral is held at Sewra. Uncle Azure wants to bury Cody there because Cody is a son to him. This scene reminds me of Jeff’s death but Jeff is here so I’m fine with that. But I also feel the lost of Cody. He’s a good guy to begin with. He turned to evil because he thought that Uncle Azure betrayed him. He wanted to meet his late mother deadly so he revived Alse by sneaking to the secret chamber and took the blood of my maternal grandfather. But Alse betrayed him by locking him in the underground of the cottage, tied him on the wall, and took out his liver.

I can’t hold my tears when I think of his liver had been taken out. She tortured him because he failed to kill Granddaddy Saba. That damn woman! If she’s alive somewhere I’m going to kill her, even if she’s got stronger. She has taken too many lives and made people lived in sorrow. First she killed my precious brother and now, Cody. She’s really messing up with our clans.

I’m taking a break for three days. I really miss Sewra so much. I also go to the Silvers house often, just want to talk to Stefan. He seems quite okay since Cody’s death. We’re going back to the Academy on the next day, and this time by car. Stefan’s going to drive me there. But he needs to be fully okay first.

I go back home after having a great dinner with the Silvers. Granddaddy joins too, for he’s also taking a break. My family is watching TV as I enter my family’s chamber. I don’t know what kind of drama they’re watching but their eyes are glued to the TV. Suddenly, the phone rings. Dad turns down the volume and picks up the phone.

“What?” he screams and nearly makes us jump. I hate looking at his shocking face. Something bad happened.

Dad bangs on the receiver and mutters a curse. “Alse is back! And she’s attacking the Academy! We have to go there, now!”

The war has started.

Ghost Stories #4

Year: 1995

There’s no teacher in the class so it’s heaven for some students. The boys were, of course, scampered to other classes, teasing the girls. Some of the girls sat in groups, chatting and gossiping. During that time, there were no cool electronics gadgets like nowadays. The only cool electronic gadget at that time was Game Boy but not many could afford it.

I was sitting on my desk, doing my work; Maths. There were tons of work that need to be done because I was not good in Maths at that time and Maths was my least favourite subject. I had missed 4 pages of homework in the textbook (the textbook was super thick and each page contained 50 questions) because of one reason; too lazy to do. But my Maths teacher wanted to punish to those who didn’t submit the work on the next day so that’s why I abandoned myself in my Maths world at that time.

My back was killing me as I’ve finished two pages of Maths exercise. I stood up and walked around. A group of friends asked me to play chess but I knew I will definitely lose because the one who asked me was good in chess, so I declined politely. Then, my eyes spotted something on my other friend’s desk. On her desk, there’s a piece of paper drawn with circles around it and three circles in the middle. She tried to make an Ouija Board with a piece of paper. She and her 4 friends wanted to play Spirit of the Coin.

She brushed me off as I was staring at the piece of paper, saying that only 5 people could play this game. I didn’t want to play that game in the first place so I lazily walked to my desk. I continued my work which is getting much more difficult. Because my desk is quite near to my friends who were playing Spirit of the Coin, I heard every single thing what they were discussing about. One of them wanted to know who the name of her future husband is.

One of them asked her to put her pointing finger on the coin as she cast the spell (I think she’s made it up by herself). That girl had to close her eyes and focus on her wish. I shook my head and continued my work. Suddenly, she screamed excitedly that her coin moved on its own. Everyone in that group was very delighted. Then something caught my eyes.

I peered under their desk and saw a black thing sitting under that with the one hand stretched from below and touched the coin. That’s why the coin moved. They didn’t realize about the black thing. I blinked my eyes few times but the black thing was still there. Then our gazes locked. I flinched as it put its finger to its mouth, telling me to keep quite. Then its snickered as it enjoyed playing with that group of girls.

That’s why I never played Spirit of the Coin.

Circle Quartet: 39

Chapter 39

I walk to Grandma Maegan’s chamber to hand in the report for the mission last night. Since I joined the Assassin Squad, it is compulsory for me to hand in the report for every mission that I’ve accomplished. I knock on the door before entering the chamber.

“Come in,” I hear her voice from inside.

I twist the door knob and slowly enter the room. Then I close the door behind me. “I’m here to hand in the report, Grandmama.”

“Oh, it’s you, Alice,” she greets and takes my hand. “Come, let’s have a night tea. I thought Saba is the one who knocks on the door. He loves to do the night visit, always asking for the cupcakes,” she leads me to the chair where she’s having a night tea.

“Granddaddy really loves cupcakes. He also asked me once to bake some cupcakes for him,” I chuckle and sit down. Grandma Maegan pours the tea for me. The tea smells nice. It’s a jasmine tea, Grandma Maegan’s favourite.

“Let me see the report,” says Grandma Maegan and I hand her the report. She reads the report and sometimes nods. And then she smiles proudly at me. “Your report is improving. I know that you don’t really like writing the report, no?”

I grin in silly. And Grandma Maegan is right.

“Not really. Report seems difficult than writing journals. But I try to write it as good as I can,” I say and sip the tea.

“You have long way to learn, Alice,” Grandma Maegan smiles. “Since that you’re here, there’s something I want to tell you.” Her smile doesn’t fade from her face as she hands me a brown envelope.

I take that envelope, feeling a little bit jumpy. Grandma Maegan asks me to open it. There’s a letter inside it and I read it thoroughly.

“Tell me I’m not dreaming, Grandmama,” I shake my head in disbelief.

“You’re definitely not dreaming, Alice!” she says in a singsong voice.

“Oh God! I…I don’t know what to say, Grandmama! This is…this is unbelievable!” I cry in excitement. “Thank you so much for this!” I rise from my seat and hug her. She pats me on my back; congratulate me while kissing both of my cheeks.

My dream comes true.

“Cheers!” We hold our wine glass high. “To our new squad!” Then we gulp down the red wine, except for me. I drink blood, of course. It’s not that I don’t like red wine but purifying blood is much better.

“I can’t believe that we’re in the same team!” cries Raina in excitement.

“Well, I can’t believe that Grandma Zelda choose you for this special team,” Alex glances playfully at Raina.

“I think you’re just jealous, Alex, because I didn’t have to take the examination,” Raina smirks. “Grandma knows my potential very well.”

“She knows that you’ll fail, Raina. Believe me,” teases Alex.

“Okay, that’s enough you two,” warns Beatrice. Both of them shut their mouth but still glaring at each other.

We; Stefan, Tavis, Alex, Beatrice, Raina and I, are been appointed to the Special Squad Team. Our goal is only one; finding Cody. Even though this is only temporary, we are so excited and will try for our best to accomplish our mission.

But I’m rather worried about Raina and Alex since they always create a ‘war’. (Alex is Raina big brother who is as same age as mine, but he seldom talking to me unless it’s necessary)

“I can’t believe that Granddaddy choose me to join this group. I’ve just finished my special training,” says Tavis, munching on his meat.

“And I hope that you won’t be careless as you always did,” chuckles Stefan. Tavis pouts and we laugh. “So, who’s going to be a leader?” asks Stefan.

“I vote for Stefan!” I raise my hand.

“And I second the motion,” Alex raises his hand too.

So, it’s decided that Stefan will be our leader for the new team. We eat merrily until our stomach is full. After that, I teleport to my room. Since Abby is on her mission, I’m going to be alone for a while. Then, I summon Jeff from the necklace.

“Hey, hey, congratulations for the promotion. Come on, give me a big hug!” Jeff spreads his arms wide.

I hug him (even though he’s a spirit, I can touch him) and say thank you.

“And, I have special presents for you. I put it on your study table,” beams Jeff in excitement.

“Really? That really sweet of you,” I giggle and go to the study table. There’s an envelope, tied with a red ribbon. “A card?” I try to guess.

“Nope,” Jeff shakes his head, smiling. “Open it. I know you’re going to be surprise.”

I open the envelope slowly. There are some papers inside. My eyes widen when I read those papers.

“Jeff, where did you get this?” I ask him, frowning.

“When you go to sleep, I went to several places where Alse had been. I found a house in the middle of a forest, an abandoned house to be precise. I wrote every single evidence that I’ve found in that house on these papers. And since you’ve been assigned to search for Cody, I think the job is going to be easier,” explains Jeff.

This is unbelievable! Two wonderful things happen in just one night.

“I need to tell the others about this. Maybe we can go and search for Cody tonight,” I collect the papers and put them back in the envelope. “Thanks so much, Jeff.”

“Anything for you, little buddy,” he smiles and shrugs. “The night is still young. You shouldn’t waste much time,” he winks and disappears.

I smile and contact my new squad members via telepathy. All of them agree to meet in the library.

I explain every single thing to them – but not mentioning Jeff’s name, that I’ve found the evidences by accident. They are confused at first – except Stefan, but then they know what exactly that should do. All of us agree that we should go to that abandoned house and look for Cody. One of the papers mentions about the secret underground door.

We arrived at the abandoned house in the middle of the forest. This is the forest where Alse attacked me, Stefan and Raven back then, when we’re trying to spy on her. Stefan and Tavis, who are already in the werewolf mode, sensing for Alse or her creatures but there’s nothing here, except for the house.

We creep in slowly. Raina clutch on my hand as she is scared of the place like this. How irony! A witch is not supposed to be afraid of the dark.

The house is dusty; cobwebs blanketed the most part of the house. There isn’t any furniture much except for few shelves. The wooden floor gives an eerie squeak as we step on it. So this is how it feels when entering a ghost house, except that this is worse than a ghost house.

Guys, I found the secret door. Stefan calls out.

I can smell something fishy down there. Says Tavis.

Alex checks on the secret door whether it had been bound by magic but it’s not. So he pulls the handle hard. The door creaks open and it’s very dark down there. Beatrice creates floating fires and we take a step down there with Stefan leading.

“It smells like rotten eggs,” Raina wrinkles her nose in disgust.

“Worse than that,” I add, cover my nose with my hand. I can’t stand the smell.

I look around and spot something that makes me gasp out loud. I can’t believe what I am looking right now.

“Cody!” I scream terrifyingly as I see him being chained on a wall.

We rush to him and I cut the chain with my sword. Stefan quickly turns back to normal and catches Cody’s body before he hits the ground. He looks awful with deep wound and cuts.

We gather around him and Beatrice and Raina start to heal him. He slowly opens his eyes and looks around.

“Cody, what in the world had happened to you?” asks Stefan in a sad voice.

‘Stef…why? Why…did you save me?” asks Cody, barely whisper. Then he looks at me. This scene reminds me of the day before Jeff’s death. I try to hold my tears.

“Because you’re my family, Cody,” answers Stefan gently.

“But…I’ve betrayed our clan. I nearly killed Nash and…Granddaddy,” he says in weak voice. “You should leave me rot here.”

“No!” Stefan hushes him. “Don’t say that. You’re still my brother, Cody. I can’t leave my brother behind.”

“We need to take him back to the Academy,” says Alex in a serious tone. “He’s been poisoned and he still has time to be cured.”

Stefan slowly picks Cody’s body, with the help of Tavis and Alex. Raina and Beatrice cast a spell that can teleport us back to the Academy within no time.

We can’t let him die here. And in fact, I don’t want anyone to die because of that damn witch!