Draiochta Academy: All Genres Academy Anthology

by BBB Publishings

  A sharp knock on the door drew all of our attention. As it opened, Ms. Rodes stepped aside and revealed my parents. Quickly rising to my feet, I was trapped in a bear hug when my mother rushed forward with a murmur of excitement. Returning her embrace, I caught my father’s gaze over her shoulder. He rolled his eyes at my mother’s obvious excitement, but couldn’t hide the proud smile crossing his face. He ran a hand through his rich, toffee colored hair, resulting in the front standing up in haphazard spikes. He was dressed in a suit, but the lack of jacket and rolled up shirt sleeves told me how quickly he had left work to get here.

  Gently pushing myself away from my mother, I watched curiously as Ms. Rodes quietly pulled two more chairs in. Claude, Liam, and Mr. Foster had all risen at my parents’ arrival, the first two looking eager to please as they gave polished introductions, while Mr. Foster fell victim to another one of my mother’s bone crushing hugs. Finally, we all sat down, my mother’s blue eyes bright and shining with excitement and a slight sheen of unshed tears. I watched as she took a moment to fan herself, two bright red dots appearing on her flawless alabaster cheeks. Silently, I pulled the black hair elastic off of my wrist and handed it to her. Winking at me, she sighed with relief as she pulled her thick, burgundy waves into a high ponytail. The entire moment took maybe forty seconds, but every man’s eyes in the office were glued to her.

  I was used to it from my father. I mean, he was completely head over heels in love with my mother. But I was slightly disappointed in the rest of the men. Liam caught my expression and at least had the decency to look sheepish for a moment. I supposed it wasn’t completely their fault, as an angel of Sophia and Jophiel, courtesy of her years at Celestial University, my mother—who had always been beautiful—had been illuminated from within with this ethereal glow since her graduation and appointed guardian angel position. It softened her features, making her even more stunning. My father often called her his muse, inspiring him to derive new and innovative ideas in his work. Sweet, but totally gag worthy, I mean, come on.

  My father reached out and took her hand, and she smiled lovingly at him before they both turned their attention to Mr. Foster. To his credit, the young headmaster shuffled a few papers on his desk before beaming at my parents. “Well, as you know from my previous phone call, Rox is being tapped for AOC! This is Claude Romanov and Liam Trackwell, both representatives from AOC.”

  Once introductions were made, both representatives looked extremely impressed with my parents, and began to go over the details of what exactly was in store for me if I was to start attending their academy immediately—a rigorous course load, advanced work with my powers, residency at the academy itself, and an exploration of the scope and sequence of the extent of all my powers. Liam glossed over Claude’s earlier remarks about the necessity of mastering my powers for everyone’s safety, making it sound like the only intelligent option. I already knew I would agree to attend AOC early, but I was still slightly thrown off by their interest in me.

  While my mother was getting all starry-eyed at the prospect of me attending the most elite supernatural academy in the world, my father leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his thighs, and inquired, “Just how many new recruits are you taking on this upcoming school year?”

  Claude frowned, obviously doing some calculations in his head. “In regard to those heading into the undergraduate programs, and not including some of the younger students we sometimes take on? One hundred and three. Only two others are in the same situation as Rox. They are coming in and attending immediately, and will finish their secondary education with us also.”

  My father tapped his chin thoughtfully, a little spark in his eyes as he regarded Claude. Liam must have also sensed it, because he jumped in right away. “That is, those students come from families with strong supernatural abilities and have a substantial possibility of developing more unique powers at any moment. We strive to offer them the most welcoming and nurturing environment to safely navigate their new powers. I realize this is a drastic change in routine and lifestyle, and that Rox has an entire life and friends she will most likely not want to give up, but there will be plenty of time and opportunities to take leave from campus and socialize.”

  I almost snorted at that remark. The last thing I wanted to do was to stay behind and socialize with my classmates here. Obviously, their knowledge only went so far. Mr. Foster cleared his throat, arguing, “Rox is one of the brightest and most talented students we have had here at Draiochta Academy, and we would love to keep her here to finish her post-secondary education, however, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that the best place for her is indeed AOC.” Smiling at me, he gave an encouraging nod. “You’ve already made us all proud, and I can’t wait to see where this leads you.”

  Liam opened up a smart leather briefcase, pulling out packets of paperwork for my parents and Mr. Foster. “We would like to extend an offer to Rox of the option of coming and moving in this weekend, if she would like. In that case, we would get her acclimated to the campus and start her entrance exams that week. The sooner we do that, the sooner we can have her complete what is necessary for her secondary schooling and begin her undergraduate work.”

  Frowning, I straightened up. I currently lived in a single and didn’t have to worry about roommates. I doubted that was the case as a newbie at AOC. Those were often privileges that had to be earned at the more exclusive universities. “Will I have a roommate? Someone new or someone who has been there?” Both options sounded undesirable to be honest—to show up and take away someone’s single or be lumped in with another bumbling newbie.

  “First year undergrads share a room, unless there are extenuating circumstances. I can’t say I know who your roommate is right now, since it hasn’t been decided.” Claude’s deep voice brooked no room for argument.

  With a sigh, I nodded. “To be expected, just figured I’d ask.”

  “Really, Roxy!” My mother’s hushed tone sounded exasperated. I could tell she was excited over the great honor and opportunity this was, and thought I was being a little childish. Who knew, maybe I was. After spending the last few years primarily on my own, this was going to be a huge change for me, and I would be lying if I didn’t recognize I was a little scared.

  Liam chuckled. “It’s a fair question. Your lodgings the first week will be temporary. Once you have taken the entrance exams, you will be assigned a more permanent placement for the year.”

  Everything passed by in a bit of a whirlwind after that. My parents asked questions, papers were signed, then I said hurried goodbyes to the faculty as we swiftly packed up my room and arranged for movers to pick up my boxes. Both my parents decided to take time off from work so they could make the eight-hour drive with me over to AOC’s campus in rural New Hampshire. They would stay to take me out to dinner Monday evening, then they would return home. I felt a little numb listening to the excitement and pride in their voices as they spoke on the phone to organize everything.

  Not that I wasn’t excited, I was. I was also quite aware that right now, I might be top of my class and in advanced studies, but I was a little bit of a big fish in a small pond, and that was all going to change come Monday. I had no doubt I would be challenged both in and out of the classroom.

  Chapter Two

  Tears blurred my eyes at the simple act of breathing in the frigid New Hampshire air, which was biting enough to sting my nose. Wincing against the sharp pain, I continued walking onto AOC campus. Even though we weren’t that much farther north than home, the sprawling campus, which was nestled at the base of a mountain next to a lake, was covered with a gleaming white blanket of snow. It was colder here, much colder. Trees limbs bowed heavily with a coat of glistening ice. Pictures on all the brochures of the assorted Colonial Georgian and Georgian Revival white wood and brick buildings, assured me of the bright, luscious beauty of the campus during the spring and summer, and its cozy and radiant colorful foliage in the fall. But currently, the frozen tundra in fr
ont of me with the sharp, frigid wind actually made me miss the city and all the buildings blocking the gusts around Draiochta Academy.

  “Isn’t this wonderful? Just think, you will be able to spend time outside and learn how to ski and ice skate. All this fresh air! Oh, Roxy, you are just so lucky!” My mother practically twirled as she gazed around the quad, also known as ‘the Green.’ Rolling my eyes, I looked over at my father, who watched my mother indulgently for a moment before turning and raising his eyebrows at me. He fought back a grin, taking in the knit beanie on my head with the giant, flouncy poof. “I’m just glad we stopped at the stores in town and picked up more seasonally appropriate attire.”

  “Yeah, Mom did a great job helping me pick out clothes,” I replied wryly, rubbing my icy cheeks with gloved fingertips. We spent yesterday driving into town and going shopping to pick out school supplies, new bedding, and clothing more suitable for northern New Hampshire. To be fair, everything she picked out was very fashionable. I ended up with a mix of things my father thought were practical, my mother thought were cute, and some I actually liked. Decked out in a new outfit, we decided to explore the campus a little before our eight o’clock appointment with the registrar.

  There were a few people out making their way toward class with their heads down against the wind. I couldn’t help but wonder if one of them was my future roommate. My parents were slightly put out that they couldn’t help me set up and decorate my room, seeing as the room I would be assigned today was only temporary until I completed my entrance exams this week. I didn’t mind doing it on my own though. In their excitement of my being accepted to AOC, they were acting like I hadn’t just spent the last few years living on Draiochta campus during the school year.

  “We should head over to the registrar’s office. I’d rather be a few minutes early,” my father suggested, nodding over toward a one of the white buildings with large pillars, nestled between two much larger brick ones. “Melanie, darling?” He reached out and captured my mother’s arm as she twisted to watch a bright red cardinal fly toward an evergreen near the walkway.

  “Look, Rox, a cardinal! That means good luck! How fortuitous.” With a huge smile, flashing bright white teeth, she reached out and dragged me back toward her. Laughing at her exuberance, I hugged her back and allowed her to link her arm through mine as we continued walking. Thankfully, the doors were unlocked and we were able to get out of the bitter cold for a few minutes. The offices were welcoming and the staff was very efficient. The older man checking me in and handing both myself and my parents various pamphlets and packets was a wealth of information. I found myself feeling slightly overwhelmed as I tried to take in everything he was sharing. Noticing my increasing silence, he grinned as he printed out my exam schedule and introductory meetings for the week.

  “Looks like they are getting you started right away. See this code up here? That is your code when you log in to the academy system. It will provide all of the information you will need for each meeting and exam. There is also a virtual interactive map while you’re still getting acclimated.” Pausing, he turned his kind brown eyes toward me and waited for me to nod my understanding.

  “Good! Now your parents mentioned that you’ve already had a very brief tour around the campus, so you know where the dining hall is. Hours are posted for meal changes, but it is open twenty-four hours for the basics. It looks like tomorrow morning Camden Moriart will collect you at your room and take you on a more thorough tour. Specifically, he will make sure you understand where your exams and meetings are. Now, if you are ready, I have your preliminary rooming information for this week. After the first week or so, when the administration has gone over your exam results, you will be placed in a dormitory that AOC feels will best compliment and encourage your abilities.”

  “Yes, thank you,” I replied, smoothing my hand over my hair, trying to tame the wisps alive with static electricity from my new hat.

  He handed me a piece of paper that simply stated my name, along with two others—Rebecka Jenks and Lucinda Marcose—with the words Trixton Hall, room three.

  “Here is your temporary ID and pass card until your official one is ready. And, this is your key for your room. I believe one of your roommates is already here.”

  With an encouraging smile, he folded his hands and glanced back and forth between me and my parents. I could take the hint, time to go.

  “Thank you. I think that’s our cue to go find Trixton Hall.”

  My father carefully collected their paperwork and placed it into his briefcase. Sliding the messenger bag off my shoulder, I quickly stuffed my own packets, sheets, and schedules inside next to my tablet and laptop. My mother nibbled on her lip as she considered the paper copy of the campus map in front of her.

  “Okay, I think I have an idea where it is. Off to the left side of the Green, if I recall.”

  Beaming, the old man behind the desk agreed and wished me luck.

  “Why don’t we find your room and give you a little time to get acquainted with the people on your floor. Your mother and I can grab some of your things and bring them to you later, before dinner.”

  Letting out a relieved breath, I gave my father a quick side hug. “Thanks, Dad, that would be perfect.”

  As much as I appreciated having my parents help me navigate the new campus, I also didn’t want them awkwardly hovering over me and my roommates for the next few hours. In my excitement, I could almost ignore the icy air as I tugged my hat down over my ears. There were a few more people out and about now. Most of them were pretty bundled up. A few joggers ran by, their warm breath misting in the air as they flew past us. They looked like your everyday college students. Not necessarily some of the most powerful and intelligent supernatural beings in the world.

  “Here it is, dear.” My mother pointed toward one of the smaller buildings, tucked away off the corner of the Green. Trixton Hall was covered in ivy, giving it a very collegiate appearance.

  “Yes, well, if you feel comfortable, why don’t your mother and I plan on coming back a little before dinner? Maybe four o’clock? We can bring all your things and get you settled before we eat and head back.”

  My mother looped her arm through his, smiling proudly at me. “That will give you a chance to meet your roommates. They are always welcome to attend dinner with us if you’d like.”

  “Thanks, guys, I appreciate it. Love you both.” Giving each a quick squeeze, I flashed my temporary card in front of the reader and entered the dorm.

  What immediately took me aback was that this felt less like a typical dorm or school, and much more like someone’s large house. Making my way through a large, yet cozy common room, with couches and chairs and a large television mounted on the wall, I hurried along to the right, which was labeled with odd numbers. Stopping outside a large oak door, I stared at the dry erase board that said, “Welcome,” with our first names on it. It was so cheesy and classically mundane that I giggled a little. Nothing to be afraid of, it was just like any other school, only not. Squaring my shoulders, I quietly slid my key into the lock, hoping I wouldn’t wake up whoever was already moved in.

  Bracing my hands against the door, I gave it a gentle shove as I slowly entered the small room. There were two sets of bunk beds, four desks, and a braided rug on the floor in the middle of the room. A lump on the top bunk to the left moved and a head with rumpled hair popped out. Fists followed to rub the haphazard, straight blonde chunks of hair out of sleepy, brown, almond shaped eyes.

  “Sorry to wake you! I’m Roxy, I just got here.” I hurriedly tossed my bag on the lower bunk opposite hers. Stop babbling, Rox, I thought to myself as I plopped down onto the closest desk chair. I was nervous, I’d never had roommates at Draiochta Academy, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

  “S’okay. I forgot to set my alarm when I went to bed.” Stretching the best she could so close to the ceiling, I stifled a gasp of surprise when moments later, she threw back the covers and slid to the floor fully dresse
d in crisp, AOC apparel. AOC didn’t have any specified uniform, but they did sell a number of prep wear as well as comfortable clothing. I would have to learn my roommate’s secret about how to pop up from bed looking like my clothes just left the dry cleaners.

  Straightening her arms out, my roommate smoothed her hands down her white, embroidered polo shirt that covered an ample chest, and her conservative, just above the knee plaid skirt.

  “Nice to meet you, Roxy! I’m Rebecka. I’m just going to run to the bathroom to brush my teeth and fix my face. I’ll be right back!”

  Pulling her knee socks up in a swift movement, she sped from the room in blur, leaving me sitting slack-jawed in my chair. Well, I didn’t know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t that. Turning to my bag, I opened it up and began dragging out my laptop, all of my schedules, and other various important documents that the registrar gave me. Tomorrow, I would have my first few meetings and exams. Opening my laptop, I found my AOC sign in and used the code I was given. I scanned over the information and paused on my schedule for tomorrow.

  8:00 A.M. Campus Tour—Camden Moriart

  *Bring schedules and questions

  11:00 A.M. Exam 1—Professor Coalshod

  *Dress comfortably

  1:30 P.M. Exam 2—Dr. Prubrix

  *Bring a watch

  3:30 P.M. Exam 3—Professor Lazlow

  *Bring a snack and beverage

  I let out an annoyed sigh. There were no end times or any clues as to what each exam would entail. For someone who liked to be prepared, the lack of details was starting to stress me out. My eyes flew to the door as it banged open and the blonde whirlwind from earlier bounced back in.

  “Okay, Rebecka, you’re going to have to teach me your ways. How the hell did you roll out of bed less than five minutes ago, and end up looking like that?”