"........with this closing remarks, I now proclaim all of you apprentices in the art of Spellweaving!"
Ample claps were heard in the entire auditoria. Today is where aspiring young Sapirs be given permission to study the art of Spellweaving, the study of combining, or weaving, spells into discovery of newer, stronger, and more useful ones. Only a select few are given this oppurtunity, and it's an honor indeed.
Among the rows of happy youths stands a girl wearing twisty, dark-brown hair. She is accompanied by a long haired, youth in the same age group.
"Can't believe we're now certified weavers, Alch!"
"Yeah, seems like yesterday I was crying over not passing one of the tests in Histora."
"I know what you mean, but it's all in the past. Can we get a bestie hug?"
Alchyone gave Ancisca a big hug. They deserved it after all their hard work. They knew it is just the beginning of their hardships, but it did not matter. The clapping continued on. Members from the High Treaty were there, happy to see numerous youngsters who has surpassed the trials of Spellweaving before them. Now with the aftermath of the Beret Genocide still fresh, it was nice to see that everyone is still jovial regardless of the loss.
"Please, enjoy the banquet prepared by our finest chefs!!!"
At the dinig area, students along with their proud parents were sitted together on roung tables. The place was bombarded with white cloths gracefully hanged on the ceilings. Synferian crystals were beautifully scattered along the cloths, creating an overwhelming, ethereal feel. The tables wre clad in white cloth too, and the centerpiece featured a marble statue likened to the sea-serpent, Orcarnique. The statue was then designed with transparent-blue marbles, colorful floras, and Sphynks feathers.
With no wait, the foods were served. Plates swerved everywhere, each one designated for someone. Smoked SharpSting meat, hickory sauce, Emperor Crustacean, white wine, Chocolate Mousse Cake, mashed vegetables, and Farolean seafood soup, any Commoner would water their mouths just to be able to taste and savor this delightful feast!
On the table situated on the 20th floor, Alchyone and Ancisca were seated. Their parents are in a differnet table, each one talking about their flourishing, successful business. No other Sapir seated with Alchyone and Ancisca, since they were popular and their parents forbade as it was reserved.
"That's how Miluen asked me to ask you to go on a date with him!"
"What?! Cis, what did you say?"
"I like said, I'll keep it on consideration.
The two giggled.
"What is it with you and Miluen?"
"Duh, the guy just broke up with me!"
"Correction, YOU broke up with him."
"Because he cheated on me!"
"Well, HIS big loss."
"Totally!"
"Hey, how's that Hyralok research thing coming along?"
"Huh? Oh, that. Well...."
I told Ancisca everything I've learned so far about Hyralok. It turned out that it's actually a drug that depresses the mind. It's used in Infirmaries to sedate patients. It also says that overusage of Hyralok could have lethat side effects. The High Treaty was already doubtful of it's usage, but so far it hasn't been resolved yet.
As I told her all that, I kept on thinking why my parents have those dangerous drugs. It's not illegal persay but, who could be using it? Last night, I overheard my parents alking about being careful around me. That I'm starting to know things that shouldn't. Could they have been using it on me? If so, why? I wanted to confront the head-on about it, but I just can't. They must have a reason IF they're using it on me. But I still don't know. My mind's a blur......
"Wow, when you said research, you weren't kidding."
"Well, I have to find out."
"So, you think you're parents are addicts?"
"Hey don't say that!"
"Sorry bestie, but there're only three of you in the house. I know for sure you ain't using them since you actually want to find out about it."
"True, but..."
"You think they're using it on you?"
"It's a possibility..."
Ancisca just shrugged. She's not the greatest fans of my parents, especially seeing how extremely strict they are. As I turned to my left, I saw someone whowas better off dead. It was Miluen, my ex. He had the nerve of breaking up wwith me just because we were "distant". I tried to be the best for him, and he just cheats on me?! I spent months of self-pity. I'm not about to make the same mistake twice.
*Ancisca, wanna play tag?*
"Wha?!"
"You alright, Alch? Uh-oh, ex alert!"
*All you have to do is cast your line and wait for the fish to bite...*
It's happening again. Last time, I heard voices speaking in my head. I couldn't tell if it was male or female, but something about it made me feel so relaxed, nostalgic even. It wasn't talking to me, more of like, reminding me. Reminding me of something, someone.
*I love you too, Alchyone!*
*Be more careful next time, okay?*
*Let's enjoy my 13th birthday together!*
*Boy's are so gross sometimes!*
*No matter what happens, we're sisters forever...*
My mind was swirling. What could those words mean? My eyes were tearing, for no reason at all. Everything's a blur. I feel like my head's been smashed into hard concrete.
"Alch, you okay?"
"Hu---nnhh..."
"Hey Cyone, long time no see, how've you been?"
"Hello Miluen."
"HnnHnhNHNmmmnn..."
Miluen being here was not helping. Not helping at all. I can't stand people looking at me in this bewildered state. Just when I thought it was over, a vision came....
****************************************************************************************************************
"Alchyone quick, there's a boy in trouble!"
"I'm here, what happened?"
"He's stuck on some bog, he can't get out!"
"What do we do?"
"I'm gonna go help 'em."
"Wait, it's dangerous! I'm going back to the house and get some help!"
"There's no time!"
"Just stay----------"
***************************************************************************************************************
I finally snapped out of it. I was gasping for air. When I finally came to, I realized I was sprawled on the floor. Ancisca, Miluen and several other students were looking at me with concern. I was sweating. My eyes in tears. I quickly searched for my parents. I mentally gave a huge sigh of relief when I saw they were still chatting with some High Treaty guys. I looked back to see Miluen offering me a hand. I had no idea why I took the offer, just forgetting I was furious at him.
"I-if you excuse me...."
Without warning, I speedwalked towards the powder room like nothing had happened. I imagined everyone would remember this for the rest of their lives. How Alchyone sprawled on the floor, crying, moaning, like a madman on the loose. I looked at myself on the mirror, realizing what a mess I had become. I was processing what just happened earlier. It wasn't voices anymore, but a vision! I saw a younger me. Someone was with me, probably older. I couldn't tell if it was a girl or boy, the face was blurry. But no doubt, it was the voices i kept on hearing.
With that episode just now, I now fully know that Hyralok was for me. I was hallucinating. but, it felt so real, like it did happen. That vision of a young me, someone, and a boy really did happen.
It's time for some serious researching for this Weaver.