“Stef, you are too pretty. Don’t make me fuck you up suggesting dumb shit. I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we do Sapporo?! This is like the best time for ski resorts, and there should be a dairy festival soon! We can have fun on the slopes during the day, and hit the clubs and shit at night!”
“I guess that is a possibility, but it seems like it would be a bit of a hassle… Don’t Japanese people not like… anyone?”
Codi looks at her with complete disgust. “I don’t know who told you that filth, but whatever you do, keep that shit to yourself. We can’t let it get out too much and fuck up tourism.”
Pryshka pinches Codi, which elicits a playful bite to her arm in return. With neither of them budging on their version of the perfect trip, they began crafting their own individual itineraries, trying to get Pryshka to side with one of them from time to time. On paper Codi’s plan appealed more to a crowd their age, however the schedule was somewhat erratic, and there were gaps in logistics such as transport from where they would be staying, to the city for fun.
Stefani made sure to remind Codi to chart a route ahead of time for travel. She had learned her lesson after the last experience, not trusting that it would be any easier even with the increase in her strength. Stefani had initially posed the problem of getting Anaar to take them, but Codi quickly shut her down, promising she would make Phavian take care of it. Pryshka was the only one to serve as a voice of reason, suggesting that it would perhaps be a better idea to ask Maggie for help instead.
Though the plans were still rudimentary at best, they felt there was enough to share their work. Codi called Phavian over to get his opinion and hopefully break their stalemate on the destination. As he was responsible for convincing Anaar, and also knew him best, they thought he would provide the most insight.
“See here, the first thing to note about my plan is that Hokkaido is way closer to us, which means your sweet princess will be doing far less work to get us there. That makes the chances he will take us much higher. Plus, I know some badass clubs!”
Stefani clears her throat, pulling up her plans on her Vizer. “While it is true the trip to my place will be much harder, I’m sure we will have so much fun! There aren’t any clubs or anything, but the resort does have tons to do, and it will make it easier to do activities since we won’t need to worry about exchanging currency or anything. It is all billed to the cards on file, and if push comes to shove, I can cover everyone and you just pay me back. The purpose of these is to have fun, but most importantly spend time together, enjoying one another’s company. Considering this is technically supposed to be a victory party for Anaar, I’m sure he’d rather the quieter getaway, don’t you agree?!”
Their eyes bored holes into Phavian for what seemed like an eternity until he finally spoke. “Why not both?”
Stefani squinted at him confused. “Both?”
“This fucker is trying to sabotage the plan, and get us all burned to ash! Side note, anyone notice how we went from fear of being blown to smithereens, to being immolated? That kid is sinister…”
Pryshka looks at Phavian in disbelief, inching closer to Codi as if seeking protection. “We can’t be sure he would agree to one destination, nevertheless two! Not to mention these aren’t trips down the street. This is going to kill him!”
“Maybe he can manage if we use my powers like we did Sophia. Even still, I think we would need to put at least three days in between for him to rest. Even though she put on a good face, Sophia was exhausted for days.”
“Seriously? Who do you think we are talking about? Don’t get me wrong, Ripp is one mean motherfucker, but she could never hope to match Anaar in raw power. He could do these trips in his sleep. He doesn’t need your help.”
“Bullshit! I know he’s a walking ball of destruction, but he just became a Transporter not that long ago. If he can handle this with no problem, all your drinks are on me. If he can do it without Stef’s help, I’ll pay for the entire trip for the both of you.”
Phavian smirks, quickly pulling up his contacts and calling Anaar. “Hey babe, can you do me a favor and stop by Pryshka’s room please?”
“Why?”
“Just come on! It won’t take long I promise.”
“The very fact you are in Pryshka’s room is worrisome enough. Fine, I’ll be there in a minute.”
The call ended, and within a literal minute, there was a knock on the door. Though he was already aware, he made sure to put on a surprised face when he saw all the people in attendance. He looked around the room at all the overly strained smiles and sighed.
“You want me to take you somewhere, don’t you?”
Phavian shuffles over, slipping his arm around Anaar’s waist, pulling him close. “No! We want us to go have fun together!”
Codi throws her hands in the air. “Surprise! This is your celebration party for being number one in the school!” When she notices Anaar’s eyes narrow at her, no doubt due to her uncharacteristic geniality, she dropped her hands and looked to the side. “Fucker.”
Looking to Stefani, Anaar sighs. “I’m guessing this was your idea? We going to the Maldives again?”
Stefani prances over to the other side of Anaar, interlocking her arm with his and squeezing herself close to him. “Well, I was thinking that this time we could go for a snowy retreat in the Alps! It will be great, and a lot of fun as people fall flat on their faces in the snow!”
Codi jumps up from her seat to stand in front of Anaar, frowning at his towering figure. “It’s like talking to a fucking light pole… Anyway… I was thinking we would go to Sapporo instead! Wouldn’t it be better to have the freedom to pick and choose when you want to bust your shit in the snow, and when you want to go partying and shit?! Plus, you will have the best fucking guide in the universe!”
Phavian gives Anaar’s waist a squeeze. “I said we should just do both.”
Finding his personal space woefully invaded, Anaar cranes his neck to shift his attention to Pryshka. “What’s your stake in this?”
Even without speaking, the dead expression on her face as her head rested against her fist told all. “I’m just trying to peacefully exist over here…”
Anaar’s head drops as he sighs. “So let me get this straight. I’m the ride to my own celebration party? Meaning it just won’t happen if I don’t go?”
Codi’s face began to contort from its feigned glee. “I knew this shit-”
“I’ll do it. Not like you are going to leave me alone until I do anyway. Everyone deserves a break and a reward for their efforts. I don’t want to be involved in the planning, but I’ll get us there.”
Codi blinks a few times, as does Phavian, both staring at Anaar silently for a long period before Codi speaks up. “Are you doping? You must be fucking high. We had assumed your required level of douchebaggery all Transporters have. Why are you all of a sudden being nice? They say don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, but this one is quite literally a bomb, so I think we have the right to inspect.”
“I resent that comment about Transporters. What if women were constantly bothering you to use your Electrokinesis to stimulate their nerves so that they can finally have an orgasm that men fail to give…” Anaar could see the smug look of satisfaction on Codi’s face as she cut a sly look to Pryshka. “Nevermind.”
Stefani takes the opportunity to interject since it had become quiet. “I’ve already mapped out what I think is a route that won’t be too difficult. I based it roughly on Sophia, so I’m sorry if it is too much. I can change it!”
Anaar smiles sweetly at Stefani, his eyes signaling her to cease her worries. “I appreciate it, but I’m fine. I can make it there no problem.”
“Are you sure?! I don’t want to overtax you! Here are the coordinates. Take a look and see what you think!”
Anaar looks down at his Vizer as the message comes through. A quick glance told him what he had already confirmed, but Stefani’s worry was pure and genuine. He opened a portal to th
e resort, the frosty air blowing in, giving everyone except Phavian and him a chill.
Phavian then rips himself from his grasp of Anaar to jump up and down, pointing at Codi as if they were two toddlers and he had finally gotten the upper hand. “Ha! I told you! You said he couldn’t do it! Didn’t even break a fucking sweat!”
Codi crosses her arms, turning up her nose. “I call bullshit. You planned this whole performance out. That is probably like somewhere in Canada or something.”
Stefani peers into the portal with surprise, then a relieved chuckle. “No, this is actually it. I had no idea the range of power between Transporters made such a difference…”
Codi’s cheeks puff as she storms off to Pryshka’s bedroom. “Mother. Fucker!”
Stefani found the planning of her trip to be an ever-increasing spectacle. Unlike her previous adventure, she found herself co-planning it alongside Codi. Though she had no problem with Codi, they never had a close relationship due to her abrasiveness. After all the years they had known one another, they had only been exposed to each other more thanks to her friendship with Pryshka.
It was simplistic in theory, but almost impossible in practice. As they had two separate legs of the trip, championed by Stefani and Codi respectively, they would each handle the logistics for their own trip. It was quickly realized that in order to make the most out of the trip in its entirety, special care to reduce overlap and repetition would be necessary. This was where most of the problems came to the forefront.
As the trip was Stefani’s idea, and her leg would be first, she felt whatever she planned took priority. Codi disagreed, often believing something she had planned which was similar or identical would be much better received, so Stefani should let her have it and pick something else. The two of them went around in circles, constantly at one another’s throats, often leading to mediation by Pryshka.
Aside from the internal conflicts surrounding the planning of events, the roster of those joining was completely out of hand. Something Stefani and Codi could agree upon was the people who were invited for certain. Stefani’s core group, along with Pryshka and Phavian were a given. Codi agreed to allow Deakin to attend, but Stefani was responsible for keeping a tight leash on him.
Soon, the plans begin to spread like wildfire. Stefani mentioned it to Shonte, who’s excitement and enthusiasm made it impossible to turn her down. Shonte then mentioned it to Wu, who in turn mentioned it to Peter. Because Peter had found out, he went and whined to both Anaar and Codi, insisting that everyone in his group be allowed to attend. Anaar quickly portaled out, leaving Codi with all the responsibility, resulting in another four people in attendance.
Maggie had simply expected Ryn to be invited since she had joined them on the last trip, which then involved Jesus by association. Jesus told Zenia about the trip, which would have resulted in another body, but she had already promised her parents they would go on a trip. In an odd twist, Ryn had begun dating Kintaque after she trolled him about constantly losing to Anaar, which led to his involvement in the trip as well. Finally, Shonte heard about Ryn, a person she did not know, bringing her boyfriend, which then prompted her to beg for Hunter’s admission as a plus one.
No one expected the viral spread of information that was possible when eighteen people were involved. Everyone had begun getting requests to attend from all manner of periphery friends and acquaintances. This resulted in a number of hurt feelings and denials, none being more crushing than Holden, who only received a response from Anaar that said, “No comment.”
At the same time people were becoming envious and infuriated at not being invited to such a ‘major event,’ attempts were being made to counter the trip with their own events as a show of defiance and disinterest. Many people had talks of plans that were grander than what they had heard Stefani and Codi’s trip to be, but all of them lacked the most integral component: A Transporter.
With Hunter joining the group on the trip, that left only one other student Transporter on campus, and she had already planned to go home for the break. People were so desperate to have a vacation get away of their own, that she was being offered vast sums of money to transport them. She almost caved to the pressure, but in the end, her own lack of ability was the determining factor for why she refused.
The first day of their break saw everyone in high spirits as they gathered for their journey. Those who had been on the last trip were prepared for the process of multiple jumps and the time it would take. Stefani had already been chided to make sure she did not end up with mounds of luggage again, despite her being the trip organizer. To get around it, she made Deakin take one of her bags as his own, and occupied the vast majority of his suitcase with her things.
Because it was seven hours ahead of them, the group met promptly at five in the morning, with Codi doing a roll call the moment the clock struck five. With everyone accounted for, They all braced themselves to pass through in a single file line, waiting patiently for the last person so they could move on to the next jump. Instead, one gargantuan portal opened, enough to comfortably accommodate everyone at once, and also produced a stark contrast as the frigid air poured through. They passed through, to the stares of many people as they exited.
For as much disbelief the random bystanders were in, the travelers themselves were in awe to find they had moved across the world, simply by crossing a threshold. Though everyone was impressed, no one was as vocal as Deakin.
“Are you serious?! This is so cool! This is what it means to be part of the super squad?! How many people can say they crossed the world in an instant?! This guy can! I guess you all can too but-”
Codi shoots Stefani a filthy glance to which she immediately responds. “Okay Deakin sweetie, let’s just… proceed to check-in…”
Though everyone felt embarrassed by and for Deakin, they all secretly felt the same way. Even those closest to him such as Maggie and Dan had never truly witnessed the sheer difference in his ability as a Transporter. No one was as shaken as Hunter, however. As a fellow traveler of interspatial meridians, he could sense the disturbance created by Anaar’s portal. Most academics describe them as ‘tears’ in space because that is the most accurate terminology for it. Though he was not a portal user, rather than a tear, or even a cut, it more so felt as if space itself willingly submitted itself to subjugation and rerouted its connection.
Because they were such a large group, Anaar ended up landing in a snowy patch just shy of the walkway to ensure there were no collisions upon entry. Dragging their luggage through the snow, the rest of the party made their way inside to reconnect with Stefani. With so many couples, it made for an enormous money savings, as it was two people per room. The only exception to this was Wu, Leo, and Jesus, who all shared a room since they were not only unattached, but it would also reduce the amount of money each of them were required to pay. A snickering Codi cracked some jokes about the gratuitous ‘butt stuff’ that would be happening, but to her dismay, only succeeded in getting a rise out of Jesus.
Once they had settled, they began their trip to the slopes, taking care not to move in overly large groups, lest they disrupt other guests. Even though it was not witnessed by everyone, enough people had seen their grand entrance, which was the very definition of anomalous. All of them, even the Freshmen, had become so desensitized thanks to their life at Sophangence, that they forgot most people did not come in contact with Quintessences very often. It would bring about unnecessary trouble if they were considered threats to the safety of others.
Fumbling and falling seemed to be the goal everyone was striving for as they attempted to ski or snowboard. For most people it was their very first time engaging in such an activity, thus explaining their poor performance. The only person who had minimal trouble was Dan, whose experience with his own constructs made snowboarding second nature. As he was not in a constant state of falling, he was the first to notice the absence.
“Ayy? Where Anaar at? Ain’t dis whole thang ‘posed to be for h
im? How you gone have a party for somebody and they ain’t even at the party? ‘Specially since he da one done brought us here…”
Deakin plucked Codi from a snowbank, without any thanks, only to be pushed down by her in an attempt to stand again. “Well technically this shit is supposed to be for all of us who participated. Not calling the rest of you losers… But I think that is the scientific definition and all. By the way, who the fuck thought this was a good idea?!”
Phavian, who was rapidly growing in skill, plucked Codi from the ground again, this time holding her in the air, dangling by the back of her coat. “Bitch you planned this shit! Don’t act! I thought you said you’ve done this before!”
Codi frowns, refraining from shocking him as he would likely drop her back in the snow. “I said I’ve vacationed on Hokkaido before. Not the same thing. Blame Stef for this one. Seriously though, where is that fucker? I’m sure he could do something to make all of us pro skiers or something.”
Kintaque’s natural athletic ability also made for him faring better than the others, leading him to chime in on the conversation. “I spoke with him before we left. He simply said he would be back.”
“So he left without telling me?!” Phavian’s eyes narrow for a moment, then a smirk creeps across his face as he leans in to Kintaque. “By the way, I know you totally have a hard on for Anaar, which is totally fine! I get it. Who wouldn’t right? I’m down for a little, group activity, if you know what I mean.”
Kintaque sighs at the exaggerated wink from Phavian. “I do not think Anaar would appreciate this.”
“He would be in on it!”
“I have a girlfriend.”
Ryn pipes up from the side. “Yeah Phave! What the hell!”
“You can watch!”
“I don’t like guys like that. Despite what you may think.”
Phavian pats him on the shoulder. “Don’t knock it until you try it. With me. Who knows what kind of trash dick you might get elsewhere that will ruin it for life.”
Revelations (Song of Sophangence Book 4) Page 60
