The short moment of distraction is cruelly snatched from me when I’m addressed by the teacher. He draws attention to me purposely. He’s feeding the hatred that already echoes around the room.
“Well, what do we have here? I see we’ve received a new student, one who is fashionably late to join us. I suppose you think it’s your right to arrive on campus whenever you please since you’re a celebrity. The daughter of Hades!” he announces.
‘I didn’t even know this school existed until Jak was sent to get me. So, I couldn’t have come any sooner. And, I didn’t know Hades was my father until Eden spilled the beans,” I defend myself to the best of my abilities.
“You expect us all to believe that? I assume you’ll also claim you had nothing to do with dear old daddy’s crimes. Are you going to cry, and swear your mommy never explained who daddy is? It’s nonsense! It’s a lie!”
“It’s not a lie!” I shout. “She didn’t tell me. Even after Jak showed up, and I asked her point-blank, she refused to tell me. She’s a narcissistic bitch!”
“You certainly share your father’s bad temper. It appears you’re a chip off the old block and a liar. You can expect to be treated as the criminal you are in this classroom. Being a demigod doesn’t earn you points from me. I loathe your father, and because of that, I’ll loathe you as well. The only way you’ll pass this class is if you display the best sorcery I’ve ever seen. That should be well within your capabilities as your father will have taught you some of his tricks,” he says, dismissing me, and forcing me to remain silent with a wave of his hand.
Laughter follows his statements. I shudder under the sound my classmates are making. I desperately want to leave.
“You were warned,” Eden whispers out of the side of his mouth.
I hold back the tears that want to gather. I tell myself I just need to make it through this one class. Each one after that will be a victory. I’ll survive.
A tap on my shoulder freaks me out. What more must I endure? Scared, and shaky, I look up into the kind eyes of the young man I saw in the corner. He motions for me to come with him, and I blindly obey.
Once we’re in his corner he speaks, “This will be a tough class for you, and I’m sorry about that. Hades isn’t liked around here, and most especially hated by your teacher. I, however, believe what you said. Your eyes tell me you spoke the truth. Hades didn’t raise you. You were oblivious to your heritage until very recently. Don’t allow the one who gave you life, to change who you intend to be. Continue to stand up for yourself. Eventually, the truth will come to light.”
“Who are you?” I feel I can ask due to his kindness.
“I’m Roman, the TA for this class, and an excellent sorcerer if I do say so myself,” he laughs.
Chapter Nine
"I will not fall, I will not fade
I will take your breath away."
~ Breaking Benjamin
Bleary-eyed I stare into the mirror. I look to see if I appear differently than I did before I knew a whole other world existed within the one I lived in. I’m the same, just more exhausted. Something of what I’ve been through should show on my skin. Yet, I’m still as pale as I was before things got twisted so terribly.
I’m not on meds, so that’s a victory. In fact, I haven’t had any illness at all since I was brought here. It’s weird but amazing.
It’s Sunday, and I’m still alive. I haven’t run away or let the others break me. I admit it was a rough week. My head still spins when I think about all that’s gone on in such a short span of time. It’s practically unbelievable.
First, Jak appears out of nowhere and hands me a letter inviting me to join a special, elite school because of my freakish talents.
Then, I confront mommy dearest, and she turns everything around to herself, as always. It’s a pity party with one guest. She refuses to tell me who I am. Let’s just say I’m not surprised.
Eden shows up to whisk me away, claiming I’m running late. He blows my mind by telling me dear old dad is fucking Hades! I’m a demigod! That’s enough to make me go insane and screw me up for life.
I’m excited to enter a school where I assume I’ll fit in, since we’re all supposed to be different, and have special abilities. Wrong again! I’m bullied, just like back home. Worse, I’m hated because of my father’s crimes. What the hell?
Jak seems to be a friend, then explains he can’t be seen with me. Our freakishness will multiply the bullying, and he says he can’t help me anymore. Eden gives me an ‘I told you so’, and even the teachers are bullies. Again, what the hell?
Oh, yeah, I have made one friend. She’s a ghost, but who cares? At least a classmate hasn’t killed me like hers did. Not yet, anyway.
I’m proud of myself for surviving, however. This place isn’t for the weak, and I’m proving to myself that I’m stronger than I ever imagined. I’ve got to get tougher, and not let the things others say about me hurt so much.
The first step toward that power is learning more about my notorious father, Hades. I go to my computer, the source of all the world’s secrets, and type in Hades. Wow, there’s a lot to read.
Britannica tells me my grandparents are Titans! Their names are Cronus and Rhea. Good grief, it says my grandfather swallowed my dad when he was born. Disgusting!
Kids connect lets me know I have an awesome group of aunts and uncles. None other than the likes of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hera to name just a few.
Then, there’s Wikipedia, where I can get lost for days on end. The information there is overwhelming. It tells me one thing I already know. Dear Daddy is the ruler of the Underworld. He may not be death itself, but he rules those doomed to Hades. But, strangely, he’s also referred to as the god of wealth and riches. Damn, where’s my share? Not that I need it, but the sentiment of it would be nice.
So, not fair! He owns a helmet called the Helm of Darkness that gives him the power of invisibility. He should share. I could use that thing right about now. Since he’s locked up, I wonder if mom has it. I doubt it. She’s not trustworthy. She’d sell it to the highest bidder. I hate my life.
Well, crap! I’m not any better off than I was before I started the research. Not even the mighty Hades can go invisible without the help of a damn helmet, which I don’t have. I’ll have to find another way to be as invisible as I can. That involves staying away from crowded places as often as possible. I can’t be bullied if I can’t be found. That’s logical.
We’re provided with maps of the campus so that we don’t get lost, but because Jak was there to help me find my classes, I haven’t looked at it. Now’s the time to do so. There’s got to be less used passages to get around the school.
I find my copy of the map in the desk drawer, and I spread it out fully, so I can see every inch of it. I look for my dorm room first, so I can discover paths from here to everywhere else I need to go. It’s not as easy as it sounds. The hallways, and paths, twist and turn in hundreds of directions. I get dizzy just staring at all the lines that intersect.
Finally, I see a few spaces that will do. I’ll try one out in the morning to get to my first class. At least I won’t be bullied until I’m in there with the sorcery teacher from hell. He’s bound to pick on me again. I’m not looking forward to it.
I stare at my hands and wonder what legacy Hades may have given me. What power can I have inherited? I think about the Underworld, and all it contains, and settle on fire. Hell has fire and brimstone. Volcanoes shoot up from the depths of the earth. Bingo! I think I may be on to something.
I spend the rest of the day and evening trying to produce fire. I’m so lame. Of course, it never happens. I’m doomed to failure in the sorcery class, and in life. Thanks for nothing, Dad!
The passageway I’ve chosen to take on Monday isn’t completely void of all life. There are one or two other poor souls scurrying along the darkened hallways. However, they are just as focused on being unnoticed as I am, so I’m free from torment until I arrive in the classroom. This
route may be gloomy, but I feel safe in the darkness.
Eden barely nods as I take my place. I’m shocked that he even dared to do that much. Thankfully, the others are more absorbed in themselves today than in my appearance. I’m allowed to sit down without the evil whispers slamming into my back.
Roman arrives and heads to his corner. He speaks to no one, not even me. I guess I was hoping for some type of acknowledgment of our previous conversation, so I’m disappointed when none comes.
Evil arrives in the form of my teacher. His sneer when he sees I’ve returned doesn’t bode well for my day. I suppose he assumed he’d scared me off. Fat chance! I’m determined to be tough, and not go home where I’ll be stuck on medications for the rest of my dreary life. Discovering there’s a better life for me, one that doesn’t include hospitals, has changed everything about me. I won’t go back to being that sickly, weak child. Damn it! I’m the daughter of a god, and I’ll show I’m worthy of it if it’s the last thing I do.
“Today’s lesson is on spells. Discovering them, studying them, and lastly casting them. Perhaps, some of the more fortunate of you have had spells handed down to you from parents or grandparents. Others of you may have built on those to make them stronger, more powerful, or debilitating on those you choose to use them on,” he explains.
His eyes come to rest on me when he adds, “I fear some of you may fall short in this area, especially those who claim they never knew about their lineage. I am, however, curious to know what spells Miss Ember has brought us from the depths of Hades. Will you share them with us?”
My skin crawls from his nasty tone. I don’t want to answer. In fact, I truly can’t. No one has taught me anything about spells. I can repeat my words about not knowing my father, but he’ll only remind me that he believes me to be a lair.
All I can do is answer, “I don’t know any spells. I’d like to learn them from you.”
I can play nice, and suck up when I wish to.
“Sarcasm deserves punishment. While I’m speaking to the rest of the class, you can write an essay on the casting of spells. Maybe, you’ll absorb some useful knowledge, and lessen your ego in the process.”
I’m furious. I’m not being sarcastic at all. If anything, I’m humbling myself to keep this asshole from ruining my life. Yet, I say nothing. Silence is the best course of action when I’m as angry as I am. If I speak, I’ll say something that will get me in so much trouble I’ll never be able to crawl out of the hole I dig for myself.
As Eden smirks, I pull out paper and begin writing almost word for word what’s in my textbook. I tune out the class until I’m brought back abruptly by the TA’s announcement, “It’s time to practice all we’ve studied. Rise, and follow me outside. It’s safer to cast spells in open areas. There’s less damage to things through mistakes that way.”
I remain sitting as everyone else stands. I assume I’m to continue my essay while they enjoy the sunshine.
“Ember, get up,” the teacher orders. “I can’t leave you alone in this room. As we are all painfully aware, your father is a known criminal. Thus, we must deduct that you are as well. I wish my property to remain in my possession, so you must join us outside.”
I slam my book closed, and throw the offensive essay on his desk. I want to punch him in his crooked nose, but I realize that could get me expelled. I hold my temper in check as I stomp my way behind him. I glare at his back, sending evil thoughts his way. If looks could kill, he’d be dead.
Outside, the sunshine bolsters my spirits. I suck in the fresh air and try to release the anger that’s been building due to my teacher’s comments. I keep telling myself he doesn’t know the real me. He’s acting as judge and jury on only what he knows about Hades. It’s not fair, but a tiny part of me gets it.
I watch carefully as the others do simple spells. One makes a leaf change colors. Another commands a huge rock to move toward him, dropping the heavy burden practically at the teacher’s feet. A tiny, delicate blonde girl knocks a six-foot, 250 lb. guy off his feet with a flick of her fingers.
I’m amazed at what my classmates can accomplish. I’m so into what they’re doing that I forget my turn will come, and I have nothing to share.
My entire body tenses when my name is called. This could be the end of my short time at this school. I vow to remember it’s here, and that I’m special. I can take that much home with me.
“Show me you belong here,” the teacher demands.
I try, I really do. I raise a hand, point it at the nearest tree, and concentrate. I groan. I growl. I force all my thoughts and strength into my palm, but nothing happens. Just like last night, there’s no fire forthcoming.
I hear the laughter all around me as sweat drips off my face, and runs down my chest. Embarrassment has me turning bright red. I look to Eden just in case he’s got enough pity for me to offer help. He shrugs. I’m on my own.
“It’s obvious to me that you’re a demigod in name only,” the teacher sneers. “You’re here out of pity. You have no natural abilities at all. I don’t believe you deserve to walk these hallways. You’re a poser! Perhaps, you’d be better off in the asylum with your mother.”
Anger such as I’ve never felt before consumes me. Heat rises within me. I feel it in my bones, my muscles, my very soul. I burn inside and out. I shake with the intensity of my emotions. I can’t control what’s happening, nor do I have any desire to do so.
I scream so loud the birds fly away, squirrels run to hide, and snakes slither into their holes. My hand rises of its own accord. Fire that’s hotter than hell itself shoots from my palm. It strikes the gigantic rock my fellow student dropped at the teacher’s feet. He leaps out of the way just in time. The rock melts instantly, turning to lava where he once stood.
Silence surrounds me. What can they possibly say? I’ve proved once and for all, to them and myself, who I am, and what I’m capable of.
One lone voice reaches my ears. It’s Eden saying, “Show off!”
Chapter Ten
"I am the, I am the best
She claimed and more
A battle scarred conquistador.”
~ 30 Seconds to Mars
I’m still here. My show of power has been enough to prove I belong. I have managed to make various impressions on my classmates. Some no longer bully me. Some continue in their hatred, and a few show fear. I think I even scared myself.
Whatever. I’m surviving, and that’s all I really want at the moment.
It’s Tuesday night, and I’m bored. My lessons are done, and there’s nothing to do but sit here on the bed and brood. I’ve added posters to the wall, and filled my bed with squishy, bright pillows. Now, this looks more like a teenager/young adult resides in it. I suppose I could toss some dirty clothes on the floor for a more realistic effect, but that’s not me. I’ve been playing parent to my mom for too long to do that.
I’m delighted to see Deidre appear. She may be dead, but she has a way about her that brings life to the room.
Bouncing in excitement, she tells me, “There’s a party tonight! I’m so thrilled. I simply adore a good party. Everybody’s going. I heard the others call it a rave. There’s supposed to be music, dancing, and drinking of forbidden substances. Doesn’t that sound like fun? It will be like going to a speakeasy during my time. You know, prohibition and all. Dangerous, but worth it.”
“You can drink?” I ask.
“Well, no, but you can. You can tell me all about how it tastes, and what it makes you feel. I can live vicariously through you. Please, say you’ll come. How can I enjoy it without you?” she pleads.
My options are sitting alone in my room staring at the wall or going to a party to get wasted. Both have disadvantages, but I’d rather take a chance on being bullied than sit all alone knowing everyone else is having a blast. Maybe, I’ll go unnoticed in the crowd, especially if they’re all drunk.
“Why not,” I say to Deidre. “I’ll take the secret tunnels I found, and then blend into
the crowd. Do me a favor, and don’t make me look as if I’m talking to myself. I don’t know who can see you other than me.”
“One or two, I think. Don’t worry. Everybody chats with themselves now and again. Anyway, I intend to be dancing. I miss it so much!”
I dig through my closet and pull out a pair of black leather pants. I add a long-sleeved t-shirt, and several chains around my waist. My boots have chains attached as well. In a few short minutes, I’m ready to go.
Deidre glides along at my side as I make my way through the dark passages. She doesn’t have to do this. It’s simple enough for her to let me take the long way while she slips through walls. She’s sweet, however, and sticks with me.
The music is so loud it nearly busts my eardrums. It’s dark except for the flashing lights on the ceiling. It’s difficult to tell who’s who in this mess, which is perfect for me. Anonymous is what I want to be.
I join in the dancing and see Deidre has, too. She’s doing some dance that doesn’t fit with the music. I figure it’s something from her era. Who gives a shit as long as she’s having fun? Her bright smile says she’s in heaven; figuratively, of course.
I feel alive and free for the first time since I arrived. I’m in the middle of everyone else, and no one seems to care. It’s wonderful.
A drink is thrust into my hand, and I chug it. It burns, and I get an instant buzz. I’m no stranger to liquor, but this is something I’ve never tasted. It’s delicious and gives me wings. I raise my arms and get the sensation of flying.
Through the haze of the lights, I see a guy standing alone near the door. As I watch, he moves farther into the room, and I’m instantly bombarded by the need to follow him. I shake my head and blame this new craziness on the drink.
I force myself to go in the opposite direction, where I discover people I’ve never met doing a choreographed dance. I try to follow their movements, and I’m really good at it. I lose my inhibitions and join in their hoots and shouts. Getting dizzy is fun. There’s finally some joy in my soul.
Bane of Hades (Guardian Academy Book 1) Page 5
