Pride x Familiar

by Albert Ruckholdt

  If they want to tell you, they’ll tell you. No need to press the question.

  So a few weeks after asking, Caprice told me a short story.

  Her mother was a Familiar affiliated with the Lanfear Pride, and she had been a member of an Artemis squad – an elite squad with a lot of blood on their hands.

  Her mother had explained this to her when Caprice was old enough to understand what her mother really did for a living. But when her mother died on a mission, a letter was delivered to Caprice and a package as well.

  It seemed her mother had arranged to have her Valkyrie Armor delivered to Arisa for safe keeping until her daughter Awakened as a Familiar. Included with the Fragment, was a letter to Arisa with further instructions, and a letter to Caprice.

  Caprice told me the letter was actually an instruction manual on how to make use of the Valkyrie Armor, a Fragment handed down the generations of her bloodline. Her mother wanted to ensure that Caprice inherited the Fragment, and no one else.

  When I asked Caprice if she knew the circumstances of her mother’s death, she told me it was all confidential and couldn’t be disclosed even to her daughter.

  The letter gave her no answers either, being just a manual.

  But Caprice accepted her inheritance, and began training with it.

  I realized that by using the armor, Caprice maintained a strong connection to her mother.

  But I also realized that like her mother, Caprice might one day choose to join Artemis, and follow in her mother’s footsteps.

  I wondered morbidly if Caprice would one day pass the armor along to a daughter of her own.

  In order for that to happen, Caprice would have to find a guy and do the deed.

  I didn’t think she was the kind of girl who’d go for the alternative.

  But that started me thinking – what kind of guy would Caprice fall for?

  I found it hard to see myself beside her.

  Don’t get me wrong, I really wanted to.

  But I doubted she would ever consider me as a worthy partner.

  Months later, I still didn’t know what she really thought of me.

  Chapter 18 – Clear Intentions.

  (Haruka)

  School Week Three. Monday.

  Before morning homeroom.

  I arrived early but already a third of my classmates were inside. They were in the usual groups, talking the usual talk, and laughing about the usual stuff.

  I sat down, set up my smart desk for the next class, then looked up to see Alistair saunter casually into the classroom.

  That’s right, she sauntered in.

  Her school blazer was off and draped over her carry-bag. Her blouse necktie was a little loose. Her hair fell in silky, auburn waves over her shoulders and back, shining as though it had been brushed a thousand times.

  And she was wearing makeup. Alistair never wore makeup.

  I had to admit she looked good.

  Better than good.

  I’d recognized a long time ago she was attractive, but until now I’d never witnessed her making an effort to capitalize on the good looks that ran in her family.

  As she walked up to her desk she caught the eye of every guy in the room, and the girls were surprised enough to start whispering amongst themselves.

  I was surprised too since I didn’t expect her back in class. She was supposed to be suspended for a week.

  I waited for Alistair to sit down, then waited a few seconds more before I stood up and walked over to her.

  “Ally, can we talk?”

  She looked up at me and smiled…dreamily? “Oh, hi Haruka.”

  “Uh…hello.” I shook my head inwardly. “Alistair, can we talk?”

  “Sure,” she replied.

  “Outside?”

  Alistair shrugged indifferently, and in moments we found ourselves a quiet spot in the hallway outside our classroom.

  I studied her appearance, but chose not to mention it in my opening exchange. “I thought you were suspended?”

  She shrugged. “I was but my brother spoke to the principal. Whatever he said convinced the principal to lift my suspension. However, I’m still on detention for the next three days.”

  I accepted her explanation, then studied her appearance once more. “You changed your look.”

  Alistair blushed faintly and ran her fingers through her hair. “You think so.”

  “And you’re wearing makeup. You never wear makeup.”

  “Are you saying I’m not allowed?”

  I shook my head quickly. “Not at all. You look really good. I mean, you were always pretty but this is you on a whole new level.”

  Alistair was quiet for a moment. She glanced away and I saw her cheeks were rosy. “I wonder what he’ll say this time….”

  “Ally?”

  “It’s nothing. I mean, it’s something. Actually I have no idea. Maybe I’m just fooling myself.”

  I frowned at her. “Ally…are you doing this to impress someone?”

  Her eyes widened in shock, and then her somewhat blissful expression fell. “Maybe….”

  I blinked at her a few times, and then said honest words. “Wow, that’s great.”

  “Huh? You do?”

  “Absolutely. So who is he?”

  “No, I’m not telling.” She shook her head fervently. “Not yet. I want to be sure. I don’t want to jinx it by saying too much.”

  She took a couple of deep breaths, and smoothly folded her arms under her small chest.

  “So, you want to tell me what happened on Friday?”

  I winced inwardly. “Yes. I guess I owe you an explanation.”

  “You made your choice, huh.”

  I rocked my head from side to side, wondering how to answer her. I chose to be honest, and couldn’t hide my misgivings. “It’s more like I didn’t have a choice.”

  “What does that mean?”

  I took a long, slow breath. “Duncan…made the choice for me. He practically pleaded that I choose him over Caelum. And when he chased me outside and held me tight, I just didn’t have the heart to say no. But, I didn’t say yes either.” I rubbed my face with my palms. “I didn’t plan it this way. I’m so weak….”

  I lowered my hands in time to see Alistair narrow her eyes.

  Her voice was low and confidential. “Haruka, if it’s not what you wanted—”

  “I know,” I said quickly. “I know, Ally. But the truth is, I don’t know which is the right choice to make. Having Duncan take the choice out of my hands is both a relief and a regret.”

  “Then what are you going to do?”

  “For now, I’ll stick with him. It’s not like I hate him. I like him. I really, really do.” I lowered my gaze and shook my head slowly. “Truthfully, I think I may love him….”

  “This could hurt you in the long run. This could hurt him in the long run.”

  I raised my hands in agreement, then lowered them slowly in defeat. But I realized that I didn’t know if Alistair was referring to Caelum or Duncan.

  Alistair pressed her lips together for a moment. “Haruka, you said you may love him. Do you see Duncan as your boyfriend?”

  I found myself returning her stare and after a moment I nodded faintly. “Yes, I do. I’m sure of that much, at least.”

  Alistair closed her eyes for a short while as she exhaled long and quietly.

  She didn’t speak until she opened her eyes again.

  “I have to admit, I was at a loss for words. If Caelum hadn’t acted and broken through the moment it might have grown really uncomfortable.”

  “I’m sorry, Alistair.”

  “For what? I’m the one that told you to give Duncan a chance. Good for you.”

  “You’re not angry?”

  “Nope, not at all. I do feel sorry for Caelum, but in this situation there could be only one winner.” She hesitated before adding, “But I don’t think the matter is resolved.”

  At her words, I felt my chest tighten. “Yeah, you may
be right….”

  Again, Alistair pressed her lips together into a thin line, and I could sense her misgivings.

  I chose to shift off the subject. “You seem friendly with Caelum.”

  The girl tipped her head to a side. “Yeah, serving detention together has brought us a little closer.”

  “Are you wearing makeup for Caelum?”

  “No, I’m wearing it for Klaus. Oomph!” She covered her mouth in a hurry.

  “Klaus? Who’s Klaus?”

  “I’ve said too much.” She waved a hand warning me not to press the issue. “Besides, aren’t you supposed to ask me something more important?”

  “Important?”

  Alistair nodded. “Yeah, about Caelum.”

  I inhaled deeply. “How did Caelum react? What did he say?”

  “He put up a brave face, and didn’t talk about it. He and Melanie were rather stoic about the whole situation but I could tell they were gutted.”

  I felt gutted upon hearing her words, and pressed down upon my stomach. “Oh gods…what have I done?”

  “You’re worrying about that now?” She sighed heavily. “I think it’s a little too late. But you should try and talk to him. Tell him why you dumped him and chose Duncan.”

  “I didn’t dump him,” I protested, but Alistair’s eyes hardened and I couldn’t meet her gaze. “I tried calling him, but it looks like he’s blocked my calls. And my messages bounce back.”

  “Hmm, well, I might have done the same in his situation. Anyway, his detention ends on Wednesday. You’ve got a little time to prepare yourself.” She shrugged. “But maybe you’re too little too late.”

  I gave her a confused yet pained look. “Why?”

  Alistair looked a little troubled, but then she firmed up her expression and said, “Well, I don’t think Caelum will go wanting on attention.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I think there are more than enough girls around to keep him busy.”

  “You mean the Countess and Caprice?”

  “You can add Melanie to that list too. He’s made an impression on her, and she’s having trouble admitting it. During detention, she definitely paid attention to him when he wasn’t looking.”

  I arched an eyebrow at Alistair. “Melanie Cardwell is interested in Caelum? You’re kidding.”

  She shook her head just once as she gave me a sly smile. “No, I’m not. I think with his antics in the cafeteria he carved himself a niche in her heart. She’s definitely interested. And that girl is hot.”

  I sensed someone step up to us, then heard Siobhan ask, “What’s going on?”

  Thinking quickly, I shrugged slightly and said, “Alistair’s in love.”

  Alistair gasped. “Why you—”

  She grabbed me in a headlock.

  Siobhan looked stunned. “Really? Wow. That’s cool. So who’s the unlucky guy?”

  Alistair kicked at Siobhan but the latter danced back with a laugh.

  I gasped and smacked Alistair’s arm around my neck. “Ally, I can’t breathe.”

  She let me go in a hurry.

  All three of us stared at each, then broke in relieved smiles, until Alistair crossed her arms and said, “By the way, the battle lines are still drawn.”

  Siobhan and I both froze then grimaced a little.

  Alistair said, “But…I’d still like your support of my campaign for Student Council President.”

  I blinked a few times and leaned forward. “Are you sure? You mean that?”

  She nodded firmly. “Yeah. I need my friends, regardless what cup size they are.”

  Siobhan and I shared a look, then I gave Alistair a nod. “Okay. This isn’t going to win us any friends in either camp, but I’ll do what I can.”

  “It’s a pity, though,” Siobhan muttered. “The Election is quite a few months away.”

  Alistair shrugged, but I could tell she was a little anxious.

  The bell for homeroom sounded throughout the school, and the three of us filed back into the classroom.

  As I walked in, I noticed Caprice walking down the hallway.

  I’d heard the rumor that she and a number of other female Familiars had formed a lunch group. More than that, I heard they made quite a stir when all four of them walked into the school in the mornings. A number of the guys in my class were beginning to pay special attention to her.

  Caprice’s eyes met mine but her expression didn’t change, remaining dull and emotionless as usual.

  For a moment I worried she knew about Friday’s encounter with Caelum, but I couldn’t tell from just looking at her.

  I tried not to turn away in a hurry as I walked into the classroom.

  #

  (Caprice)

  Caelum’s return to class surprised a lot of people, but apparently our homeroom teacher wasn’t one of them.

  But I wasn’t just surprised. I was shocked.

  He wasn’t bothered by the looks he garnered when he took his seat at his smart desk.

  I gave him a flat stare but he just smiled and shrugged nonchalantly.

  That was the first surprise of the day.

  The second was a surprise for the rest of the class, but unfortunately not for me.

  On the contrary, it was the beginning of the waking nightmare my school life was about to become.

  Our homeroom teacher, Ms. Fauntine informed the class that we had a transfer student from Phelan Academy joining us today. While a flurry of whispers erupted, she called out to the new student who was standing out of sight outside the classroom.

  A few seconds later, the transfer student stepped in and I felt my stomach sink even though I knew who it was all along.

  I closed my eyes and shook my head inwardly.

  I heard his voice and felt a wave of resentment flow through me.

  Somehow I kept my face clean of any expression.

  “Hello there. I’m Jaxon Deneve afil Raynar. I’m transferring into Galatea and hope to get along with all of you.”

  I opened my eyes in time to see him smiling brightly at my classmates.

  Silence followed, and his smile faded after a few seconds. Then he sighed loudly and shoved a hand into a trouser hip pocket while he ran his other hand through his hair. “I guess it’s going to be a tough year.”

  I debated hiding under my desk, or throwing it at him.

  Before I could do either he caught sight of me and brightened. “Hey, Cappy you’re here too. Great.” He ignored Ms. Fauntine who was about to suggest a seat in the back. Picking up his school carry-bag he strode over to me. “Cappy, this is great. I thought I was going to be all alone in a new class with no friendly faces.”

  He looked genuinely relieved.

  I bit my lower lip, wanting to shut him up.

  Then I sensed Caelum’s gaze on me. I looked at him sideways.

  He was watching me and Jaxon, and his eyes were the coldest I’d ever seen them.

  I felt a chill run down my back, and felt my expressionless façade begin to slip away.

  Jaxon spoke in a low voice. “So…you’re in this class as well.”

  I realized in a heartbeat he was talking to Caelum.

  Caelum fixed his gaze on Jaxon. “Is that a problem?”

  The latter smiled and shook his head. “Nope. You’re not a problem for me at all.”

  The air between them picked up a chill.

  Neither of them broke eye contact.

  Neither of them showed any sign of backing down.

  I stood as smoothly as I could, and cleared my throat. “Stop this. Stop it right now.”

  Caelum ignored me, and a cruel smile spread across his lips.

  “Welcome to Galatea Academy,” he voiced coldly. “I hope you enjoy your stay, however short it may be.”

  Jaxon’s brow furrowed for a heartbeat. Then he gave me a look that Caelum was sure to catch.

  “Oh, I think I’m going to really enjoy it here.” He smiled at me with undisguised desire, and it made me un
comfortable.

  By now it was clear to everyone in my class that something was afoot. Or rather, something was amiss between the three of us.

  At least one girl found it interesting.

  “Looks like a love triangle.”

  Her words were like sharp needles stabbing my heart.

  #

  (Caelum)

  Homeroom ended with the announcement that medical exams would begin on Wednesday.

  This was the case for the academies that throughout Pharos that had an Aventis – and Familiar – student body.

  In a Regular school, part of the examination was geared at testing students for their compatibility to the Symbiote. They were held twice a year: a few weeks before the middle of the year – before the end of first semester – and a few weeks before the end of the year. This allowed any students that joined a Pride enough time to bond with the Symbiote, then make the arrangements to transfer to one of the five academies that catered almost exclusively to the Aventis. As a result, it wasn’t uncommon for an Aventis academy to have students transfer at the beginning of second semester, or at the beginning of the new school year.

  At Galatea and its four sister academies, the examinations emphasized testing the harmony between the Symbiote and the host. Was there a degree of rejection? Was the Symbiote’s condition less than optimal? How well was it healing the host, and boosting said host’s physical abilities? How well was it attuned to the host body?

  In order to perform the exams, mobile medical centers rolled into the Academy grounds. They were large buses, double-deckers in fact. Galatea had a dedicated medical room, one apart from the nurses office, but the sheer volume of students attending the Academy would have overwhelmed the facility. As a result, these mobile medical centers were used to bolster the facilities and churn through the three thousand students here at Galatea.

  I concentrated on my class lectures, but chose not to dial up the learning aid on my visor-headset to the limit. I needed to do some of the work and not rely on the gear provided to get me through the day. Surprisingly, I was able to manage just fine despite Jaxon Deneve finding himself a seat to Caprice’s right. That left her sandwiched between his table and mine.