Revelations (Song of Sophangence Book 4)

by E. I. McAllistair

  Of all the people affected by the results of the event, Shonte appeared to have taken it the hardest. She had a decent relationship with Shonte, but she always felt they could be much closer. She had an appreciation for many of the things Stefani enjoyed, which was what initially sparked their friendship. With a quick search of her contacts, she placed her call.

  “Hey Stefani. You needed something?”

  Stefani had without a doubt read the situation correctly. Shonte was always vivacious, lighting up whatever space she inhabited. The person on the other end of the line was somber and sounded depressed.

  “I have to need something to call you?! I suppose I am technically calling because I need something. I was thinking about how we wanted a part two of our little makeover session to simply enjoy the day without a more specific goal in mind. You sound like you could use some fun. What do you say?!”

  “I appreciate it, but I don’t got the money to be going shopping. It is painful when you see something you really like, but can’t get it.”

  Because of her career, Stefani never wanted for money. Unlike most children from well off families, her money was all her own. Her parents had been teaching her financial responsibility from the stage where she could do basic math. Her parents always allowed her to have full control over her own money so that she could gain experience.

  “I completely understand. Well, no one said it had to be all about shopping. To be honest, I’m interested to see the result of all the money spent restoring Haxby. Only a city like that could not only be back to normal already, but even better. Good thing only the rich and commercial districts got damaged.”

  Shonte contemplates for a moment before speaking. “There is this really interesting exhibit at the museum I wanted to see.”

  “Oh my gosh that sounds amazing! I never thought I’d get anyone to go with me! I bet Anaar would, but he is forever busy, so I never bothered. I love this! We can start with that, and go where the day might take us! Since I sprang this on you out of nowhere, how about we meet at The Rack in two hours to give you plenty of time to get ready?”

  “I’m good to go now, so how about I meet you there in half an hour?”

  “Perfect! See you soon!”

  Though Stefani could not warp herself through space like a Transporter, she had become so comfortable with her powers that speeding herself up, or increasing her senses were a subconscious reflex. Gone were the days where increasing her senses were a double-edged sword that could debilitate her to incapacitation. Her increased sense of smell picked up a familiar scent, sweet and floral. She followed the trail to none other than Pryshka, who had been studying at a table nearby a tree. She took a detour to speak with her since she had time to spare.

  “Working hard, or barely working?”

  Pryshka raised her head to see a positively beaming Stefani. “Oh hi Stef. Honestly, I think even barely would be an exaggeration. I have been doing anything I can to distract myself. I tried working out, but then that reminds me of training, which reminds me that I am not good enough.”

  Stefani chuckles with discomfort, not realizing what she was walking into. “I guess that sentiment is stronger amongst the populace than I thought… If it is a distraction you need, I think I have the perfect one. Shonte and I are going to check out the rebuilt Haxby, and a museum exhibit. Would you like to join us?”

  Pryshka ponders for a moment, then looks Stefani up and down. “Am I… underdressed?”

  Stefani reddens as she notices Pryshka’s sports bra and tights. “Oh no!! Not at all! Come as you are!”

  “Okay then. I too am curious. I have not been back into Haxby since that day either.”

  “Feels weird right? Time flies… Speaking of time, we are due to meet Shonte at The Rack so we’d better boogie!”

  Even though she had suggested thirty minutes, Shonte had been on the shuttle as they were on the phone, which put her at The Rack in just under ten minutes. When she saw Stefani enter with Pryshka in tow, she stood, wasting no time. If they acted quickly, they could catch a shuttle within five minutes, negating the need to wait longer.

  “Stef! Guurl! You are looking gorgeous! I am so mad you didn’t let me know you were going to be all dressed up like this! And this hair! All these inches! I never see you straighten it! I’m for real jealous bitch!”

  “I know right. I almost feel like we are just accessories to make her look even better.”

  Shonte nods to Pryshka as she spins the blushing Stefani around. The colorful sundress, awash with perfectly synergizing pastels flared as she spun. Though they were not exceptionally high, Stefani accented the dress with sandal heels that showed off her pedicure. Her normally curly hair billowed like silk in the wind, so much body that it could have been mistaken for being a separate sentient organism.

  “You two are ridiculous! I just felt like dressing up a little. I feel like we forget we can, in a place like this. Oh! Shonte! I should have told you. I saw Pryshka on the way and invited her. I hope that is okay!”

  Shonte nods and flashes a big smile. “Of course it is! Though, no lie, with you looking this amazing, and Pryshka over here looking flawless with like, negative effort, I’m starting to feel setup.”

  All three of them laugh collectively, some unspoken cue pulling them toward the tram that had just arrived to take them into the city. They boarded and chatted about a bevy of frivolous things during their transit. Once they had arrived at the drop off point, they proceeded on foot toward the museum so they could take in the sights.

  It had not been long, Stefani and Shonte squealing in delight about various items in the windows of shop, before Pryshka made an observation. “Do you see this?”

  Shonte spun on her heel with a smile. “Yes! This purse is so damn cahyoot!! Stop Shonte. I said I wouldn’t do this shit to myself…”

  Stefani was opening her mouth to chime in when Pryshka spoke instead. “No, I’m talking about all the plain clothes agents. From the looks of them, they are probably all pretty capable Quintessences. This must be costing the city a fortune… I’m sure the prices reflect it.”

  Shonte looks to Pryshka, not recognizing what she is pointing out, but understanding the implications. “They ain’t trying to have that disaster happen again. I mean, they don’t seem like they would be enough to take you though. I know they’d scrub my ass so good…”

  A gloom spread across Pryshka’s face that was similar to the one that had darkened Shonte’s. “Doubtful. These people have real powers. I can’t hold a candle to them.”

  “But I mean you like the top of your class! I know you be fuckin’ them up!”

  “My class is pretty weak in terms of combat power. We shine off the field as medical staff. That is the only reason I’m the top of my class.”

  The purpose of the trip was to take the two women’s minds off their defeats, not refresh them. Stefani jumped in quickly in an attempt to shift the focus. “No, no, no! There will be no talk of this! We are here to enjoy life and each other’s company! We aren’t going to sit here seeking the confirmation of our strength through means of a silly contest!”

  “Stef, no offense, but I don’t think you would understand. You ain’t never been in that situation before.”

  Pryshka nods, backing up Shonte, but in a way that shocks the both of them. “Yeah, you don’t even need the School Rankings for validation. Imagine being the only person whom Anaar Vorpahl fears.”

  Shonte’s head snapped in Pryshka’s direction. “His fine ass is scared of Stef?!”

  “Oh, you didn’t know? Maggie always talks about the only way to keep him in line is to threaten him with Stefani.”

  Shonte looks to Stefani impressed, leaning over to hang on her shoulder. “Guuurll!! Why you ain’t tell me you got it like that? I have heard stories about that little group of y’all’s but ooh wee! This is the tea!”

  Stefani begins to flush, finding herself at a loss for words. On reflex, she begins to hum, enhancing her body and walki
ng away at a startling speed. Being left behind, Shonte and Pryshka look at one another in confusion before taking off after her.

  Stefani had made it halfway to the museum at her rapid pace, never once stopping, except for traffic signals. With the increase to her stamina, she had no problem continuing her course, however Shonte and even Pryshka with her excellent conditioning was having a hard time keeping up. Shonte wheezed breathlessly in an effort to end her torture.

  “…Heffa… stop… Shit… I’ma die…”

  Stefani was pulled out of her myopic daze to see a sweaty and exhausted Shonte. Pryshka looked to be in much better shape, but the toll it had taken on her was clear. Rushing over to Shonte who had collapsed onto the ground in the middle of the sidewalk without regard to the disgusted stares of others, she began to sing in an effort to speed their recovery.

  Shonte had always liked Stefani, but their time together was limited. As such, she knew her powers had something to do with music, but the specifics eluded her. She felt something ethereal wash over her that was warm and soothing. It felt as if she were being injected with vitality. Her heart rate slowed, her breathing calmed, and the fatigue evaporated from her body like water droplets in the desert sun. In only half a minute she already felt ready to run a marathon. Stefani looked into her eyes with concern as she continued to sing.

  Shonte stood to let Stefani know she no longer needed assistance, stretching with a slight bounce. “Damn girl! That is one hell of a manifestation! You can just turn anyone into a super soldier?!”

  “Well… It’s a little more complicated than that… But that isn’t the point! We have an exhibit to see! I’m sorry about before, I’ll slow down. I just got a bit… flustered.”

  The trio continued their perusal of the city on their voyage to the museum. Their brief run had taken them much farther than they had expected, revealing their destination was little more than three blocks away. They purchased their tickets and made for the exhibit, excited for the experience.

  Shonte shocked both Stefani and Pryshka with how knowledgeable she was about ancient African culture and civilization. With each new station they moved to, she was able to impart supplemental information that enhanced the overall presentation. Not aware of her volume, she had amassed a following of fellow patrons who were fascinated by what she had to say.

  By the time she had gotten through the entire exhibit, the director of the museum had come to see for himself what had everyone so enamored. Most people had no idea Shonte was not part of the exhibition staff, which was a point of embarrassment for those who were, as they went ignored in her presence. Intrigued, the director approached Shonte, immediately latching onto the fact she was a Sophangence student.

  Before she knew it, she was being offered a paid internship, with consideration given to her studies. She would be allowed to choose her focus, and gorge herself on all the latest information and new research they found. Being a fanatic of history, Shonte could not refuse such an offer, leaving Pryshka and Stefani to peruse other areas of the museum as Shonte went with the director to finish paperwork.

  After what seemed like hours, Shonte finally caught back up with the two others, apologizing profusely for ruining the trip. She was met with a tight hug from Stefani and squeals of joy, rather than anger. The entire time she had been gone, Stefani and Pryshka had been talking at length about what they could do to celebrate. After some research, Stefani had found an amazing restaurant for the occasion. Together they traveled to the restaurant and commenced celebrations.

  Raising a glass to toast, Stefani beams brightly at Shonte. “I could not be happier for you right now! This is such an amazing accomplishment! Congrats to you for being so amazing! I can’t wait to tell everyone!”

  Shonte had never been one to be bashful, but in the moment, she could not help but shrink into herself somewhat. “I ain’t even realize people were all up into what I was saying like that! When that man offered me all that money and I basically had to just show up to do what I love, I was sure I was in a dream. I know they said Sophangence would open damn near any door, but I thought that was after graduation, not while you are a student.”

  Pryshka shakes her head as she is still flipping through the extensive menu. “That is a common misconception. It is very easy to believe that, since the campus provides everything we need so most people never leave.”

  The women continue chatting, asking one another what they are going to order. Once the waiter returns and takes their orders, the conversation shifts, with Shonte taking the lead.

  “Stef, I’m so happy you asked me to do this. It has been such an amazing day, and if I’m going to tell all my business, I have been wanting to be better friends with you since your last concert. The only real connection I had with you was through Pete and then Anaar, though he stay finding some damn way to annoy Anaar, so he ain’t no damn help…”

  Stefani giggles, her laugh high and melodic, resembling a piccolo. “That is sweet Shonte! I would normally do things like this with Maggie, but this is just not her thing. It is nice of her to come with me, but I know she hates it. It is nice to have people to do things like this.”

  “Maggie is so pretty in her most natural of states, yet rather than embracing it, she would rather figure out more ways to hit people with a hammer.”

  Both Shonte and Stefani look at Pryshka with disbelief, with Stefani being the one to speak up. “You are one to talk! You are the one doing it with her! If it wasn’t for you, I’m sure I’d have been injured so much more this year.”

  “That’s all she wants to do though! I have tried taking her out as well, but she is always busy, though somehow inexplicably free only ten minutes later to train.”

  Shonte sighs, a look of longing present in her eyes. “I wish I could be like that…”

  “Like what?”

  “Stef, you have Maggie, and even if she doesn’t want to do stuff like shopping, and makeup, you still have someone you can call your best friend and relate to. Pryshka, you have a whole ass girlfriend to do that stuff with.”

  Pryshka laughs with a snort. “As much as I love her, I would never go shopping with Codi.”

  They all laugh, but then Stefani’s face takes on a serious tone. “What about the other girl in your group? The sweet one that is dating Peter?”

  “Genny? I mean, I guess she is alright. She is sweet like you said, but at the end of the day, we just don’t have much in common. Plus, she has been putting all her effort into studying lately. I can’t profess to be the top student, but I can’t devote that much time to studying just to have common ground. At least she got a man though. Even if it is Petey… I shouldn’t worry too much though. If you can be killing ‘em the way you are and be single, I guess there is hope for me! We gotta fix that. With all you got, the boys should be all over you!”

  Stefani opens her mouth but pauses, trying her best to understand the situation. “Shonte… You know I have a boyfriend right? We haven’t been together long, but he’s all mine!”

  The look on Shonte’s face screamed ‘bullshit.’ “Who?! I ain’t seen him!”

  “Umm, Deakin? The one who brought me all the flowers after the last show?”

  “That boy is your man?! I thought he was a damn groupie the way he was all over you and Anaar! Wait… You sure he your man? He look like he want Anaar’s booty.”

  Stefani laughs so hard she flushes crimson. “Yes, I’m positive!”

  “But he so… weird!”

  “I know, I know. Most people only see him as the quirky guy that speaks in rapid sentences. He is so sweet though, and the most thoughtful person I know. He is also the least jealous person in the world. He has never once even questioned my relationship with Anaar, or Dan, or even Phavian. He immediately accepted I see them as family.”

  Shonte frowns. “Mmmm gurlll… You better watch that one.”

  “I have a better idea. How about we watch Genny. I’m sure there is much more common ground between you than you thin
k. If there is one thing I have learned, is we all bring that insular ideology from the world at large to Sophangence and it simply doesn’t work here. You have to be willing to really expand yourself, or you will be miserable. I’m not saying we can’t be friends, but if you feel this way, chances are so does Genny, and I think it would be amazing if you could be there to support her.”

  Pryshka nods, leaving the three of them to begin brainstorming ways they could strengthen Shonte’s bond with Genny. By the time their food arrived, they had already come up with a number of ideas that might allow the two a better understanding of one another’s needs. Stefani smiled to herself as the night went on, because outside of their incident earlier, she had succeeded in pushing their losses in the School Rankings Tournament to the side, which she felt was a complete success in her mission.

  33

  The final major break before the seniors graduated had finally fallen upon them, and in an unprecedented turn of events, most of the student body had plans to leave campus. Hot off the success of her newly forged bond with Shonte, Stefani decided to put her skills to use, planning a trip similar to their one to Maldives. Because the year started at such an odd time, summer had already passed, meaning they would need to go to a tropical destination if they wanted to do beaches again. She had been in Pryshka’s room when Codi came by, weighing in on the conversation.

  “Having an island to ourselves was fucking epic, but we did that already. We can’t be basic and do the same thing again. There is no way I’m going out in such a shitty blaze of glory.”

  “I actually agree. I was thinking somewhere we could ski! We have this cabin in the Alps that has been in my family for generations, but there is no way we would all fit in there, so we would be doing a resort. That would be better anyway since we are there to relax and have fun. Unless people wanted to go camping…”