Passing Notes

Chapter 5: Secrets

A/N man the length of these chapters changes a lot

TW; sleep deprivation and minor Eating disorder

Dawn couldn't help but let her mind wander as she worked. Usually, someone wouldn't be able to write an essay without focusing fully on it.

Dawn however was used to only being the most efficient and reliable worker. An essay would be easy; this essay in particular being one on her first day of school. She knew she'd never hear the end of it if she sent word home that she had already gotten into a duel.

She loved her friends, but she moved to a different part of the town to get freedom. They were stifling; ever since the incident she hadn't been able to go anywhere without someone following her around as a bodyguard.

It was sweet, but she could protect herself. Besides, she would never let her guard down anywhere near him anymore. That was a mistake she would never repeat again.

Glancing to make sure nobody was around, she rolled up her sleeve to trace her shoulder. There, still as dark as the day it had appeared, was the tattoo of a serpent; wound around a soul. A soul perfectly identical to hers.

"We're safe for now. I'll stay alert though, and I recommend you do too. He isn't the only threat; there's that scientist "friend of his."

Dawn nearly punched her laptop clean across the room.

"Geez Bal! How many times to I have to tell you? Announce yourself coming into a room!"

Balance simply rolled their eyes. They had called out several, several times. Dawn was just too spaced out, lost in her thoughts.

"You know, you'd notice me more if you actually got sleep? How long has it been? Two weeks?"

"One week."

"That's not that much better! Honestly, you're going to die of sleep deprivation!"

Dawn just rolled her eyes. Sleep was a waste of time, as was eating. Dawn was cut from a different cloth; she didn't need any of those things as much as anyone else did. Regardless of her acting like she didn't need it at all, it was still incredibly unhealthy for her. That never did stop her though, and without her friends around it most likely never would.

She just brushed off Balance, giving in and closing her laptop. Lunch would be over soon, and the second half of the day would begin. Magical training.

Balance was very nervous about this.

"Look, I know you don't want to use my magic but you haven't had anything but coffee and crackers for a while. I don't think you can take it."

Dawn sighed and leaned back in her chair. Maybe Balance was right. It might be time to... eat something.

At the thought, she immediately felt sick. No, it wasn't worth it. She didn't have time, there was too much to do. She'd fought people plenty of times.

No. The duel. She hadn't been thinking. Without food her magic reserves wouldn't be strong enough. She gave in; packing up and heading out to a vending machine. It was so intimidating. Eating again. The last time she had something substantial.... Was so long ago.

What if it was poisoned? Nono... it's fine. Something in machine wouldn't be. She'd learned her lesson. Dawn would never take food from anyone again. Never.

Trembling, she purchased a package of powdered donuts. They would be the most substantial, and if she were to get into a fight after school this is what she would need.

She barely managed to open the package before slowly taking a bite. Oh, how much better eating was than she had ever remembered. She quickly purchased some more food and quickly ate that too.

After she was done, she froze. It didn't seem like anything was poisoned; she quickly checked her pulse and breathing. Normal levels. She was okay.

Shaking, she rested her hand over a wilting flower by the vending machine. The dead flower sprang back to life, blossoming into an award winning rose.

No. Nonono. This couldn't happen! She should've known better. Magic energy would of course strengthen her magic. What if it happened again here?

Nightmare seemed fine, so maybe it could be different. She clenched her fist. No, there was no letting her guard down. Someone here would want her for her magic. She knew it.

What's more, this was probably like a beacon for him. He would know exactly where to find her. She didn't want to face him. She could call her friends. They'd rush over, she knew it.

She began to chew on the tips of her fingers. No, she'd fought so hard for freedom. She couldn't take it if she had to go back to being coddled like a sick puppy. She'd just have to remain with people at all times.

Dawn was nervous when it came to making new friends; despite her confident appearance, people terrified her. They hadn't always, but as of now they do.

Those guys in the front. She wasn't sure if they were strong like her insufferable desk mate, but she knew they had morals. She was sure they were nice, and she'd be okay as long as people were there to scare him away.

As the bell rung, she exhaled loudly. It would have to be her top priority. It would take at least a day for him to get to her.

As she walked off to the training halls, the hallway began filling up with hopeful and excited students. She gripped her bag.

Magic training-

She'd already used some magic. She knew that using more wouldn't do anything to harm her at this rate.

Finally reaching the doors, she took a deep breath and pushed the doors open.

The lights inside were blinding, bleachers lined up against the wall. It was just like the gym, except filled with targets and dueling arenas. In reality these arenas were just mats, but it was better than nothing.

Placing her bag up on the bleachers, she took out her notebook.

She drew a little hand fan on the back page, along with a few others that were already there. Whenever she felt like she needed luck, she'd draw one.

It's a habit that had stuck with her since her youth.

Unbeknownst to her, a certain artist had snuck up behind her and was looking at her drawings.

"Hey, those are pretty good."

Dawn couldn't help but squeal. Her heart was racing. She was one of the most skittish people these days, and if she didn't get used to this her heart might not last much longer.

She noticed Nightmare snorting in the back of the bleachers. It took every ounce of control not to just blast him in the face with magic; she was sure that getting hit would shut him up.

Alas, she just turned to Ink and smiled.

"Thanks! I've been doing these since I was pretty young. I enjoy art, but it's more of a side hobby."

Ink nodded aggressively.

"I love art too! It's kinda my whole life though, if I'm being honest. I'm Ink by the way!"

Dawn smiled. The artist was funny, and this was her chance to make some friends. It would be pretty cool if she could honestly.

"Well, I think you already know my name. It's Dawn though, if you've forgotten."

Ink, in all honesty, had completely forgotten. Lucky for him, now he didn't have to ask her name. He grabbed her arm and dragged her along.

"Come on! I'll introduce you to all of my friends!"

Dawn just laughed and let herself get pulled along. Guess her objective would be over pretty quickly. Still, she was glad.

Maybe she could actually be happy here.