by Devyn Jayse
"Stop it."
I lowered my head and followed the voice. To my left, four people my age — two boys and two girls — surrounded a younger boy. He glared at the older ones. His hands were wrapped into fists and his jaw was set in a stubborn line.
One of the taller boys laughed. "What are you going to do about it?"
"Are you really threatening me?" the younger boy demanded. He raised his chin.
"What if I am?" His tormentor gave him a slow smile, clearly getting a thrill from riling up the younger one.
"All four of you had better be ready if you're taking me on." I admired the younger kid's bravery.
"Really? You'd challenge us alone?" The older one smirked. It was a smirk that said he was looking forward to wiping the floor with his opponent.
I stepped forward. "He won't be alone."
All of them turned toward me. The look on their faces would have made me laugh if I wasn't priming for a fight.
One of the girls frowned. "Who are you?"
"Someone that doesn't like bullies." I took another step forward, my hands balling into fists.
I had taken self-defense classes at my mother's insistence. She made me show her my moves each time I visited her to prove that I knew what I was doing. The doctors thought she had taken the her "lessons" too far when she tried to stab me one time. I took even more classes after that incident.
The girl looked confused. She glanced at the boy I was defending. "Is she a friend of yours?"
I couldn't read his expression. It was a blend of confusion, curiosity, and something else. Then his gaze turned fierce. "You're willing to fight these four alongside me?"
"Yes," I said.
"Why? You don't even know me." His head was tilted to the side, waiting for my reply. His gaze was so intent I feared I would disappoint him with my answer.
"Like I said, I don't like bullies."
Silence met my reply. He raised his head as if smelling the air. He gave me a nod, satisfied.
"You heard the lady," he said to the others. "Move aside."
The four looked at each other. One of the girls took a step toward the boy and I moved to block her.
The girl looked at me. She was at eye level with me. "You're making a mistake. You don't know what you're getting involved in," she said.
I stood my ground. "I see four people against a youngster. I think it's pretty clear which side I should be on."
She threw her head back and laughed. I blinked in surprise. That wasn't the reaction I had expected. She peered around me at the boy. "We'll talk later. Come on," she instructed her friends. Without another word, she turned on her heels and left with the other three bullies in tow.
I breathed a sigh of relief as the adrenaline left my body. I wouldn't have to fight after all. I watched them walk away. The girls didn't look back at me, but the boys threw me an appraising look as they left.
"So, do you act the role of protector often?"
I turned around. The boy waited for my answer.
"No, but I couldn't let them hurt you."
He smiled. "They wouldn't hurt me."
"It didn't look that way to me."
The boy's smile widened. "No, I guess it didn't. My name's Christopher." He offered me his hand.
I shook it. "I'm Vanessa."
"What are you doing here, Vanessa? What twist of fate caused you to be my savior today?"
"I came by yesterday for an interview, but I didn't get a chance to study the gargoyles while I was here. So I came back to see them."
He frowned. "Is there a reason you're interested in these specific gargoyles?"
"I love the gargoyles in the city," I explained. "They're so diverse. I take photographs of the ones I've seen and add them to my collection. I've never seen so many dragon gargoyles in one place, but I guess it makes sense since it's the Dragon Research and Authority Center. They're magical." I sputtered to a halt as I realized I was rambling.
He smiled. "Do you believe in magic?"
"Sometimes." Sometimes I wish it existed so I could escape.
"Do you think the gargoyles move?"
"It would be magical if they did." I chuckled, indulging in this boy's fantasies of moving gargoyles.
"Why did you apply for the program yesterday?" His eyes sparkled with interest. "And how did you find out about it? I'm always curious about that."
"I thought it was fate. A block of stone nearly crushed me the other day, and I only saw the flyer because I ducked it." I shrugged. "But I was wrong. It wasn't meant to be."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," he muttered. His voice was so low he probably thought I hadn't heard him.
"Come on," he said and walked toward the doors of the Center.
I stood rooted to the spot. He looked over his shoulder and stopped. "What are you waiting for?"
My feet started moving. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see." Christopher threw me a wide grin and resumed walking.
He took me through a maze of hallways until we arrived at a door and I followed him in. I recognized the room I was interviewed in. This was a separate entrance. The same three people were still sitting at the table. They lifted their heads at our entrance.
The light-haired woman stood up. "Christopher, what brings you here?"
"I want this girl admitted to the DRAC outreach program."
"You want her to be a DRIP participant?" The woman frowned. "She was rejected yesterday."
"For what reasons?"
"Insufficient use," she stated.
"In what manner?"
"Lacks direction. Unknown value in the future. Indecisive about residency."
"I told you I lived here," I protested.
The woman gave a half-shrug. "But you didn't know where you're going."
"I'm a teenager," I said defensively.
"That's no excuse." She sniffed.
I sputtered speechlessly.
"Enroll her," Christopher interrupted our exchange.
"But the final twelve have already been selected and informed." The light-haired woman threw me an annoyed glance. Clearly, I was creating more work for her.
Christopher shrugged. "So it will be a class of thirteen this year."
"It's never been done," the woman protested. "What makes her so special?"
"She demonstrated bravery and inner strength. Enroll her, Isidora Don't make me say it a third time."
The woman's head lowered in what appeared to be a bow. "Yes, sir."
Confused, I looked between the two of them. I couldn't understand why the older woman had deferred to Christopher with such respect, almost as if he was her superior. He gave me a wink and said, "Every dragon needs a knight. You're mine."
A gasp, quickly muffled, escaped from one of the others in the room.
His smile grew wider. He seemed amused that he had shocked them. I wasn't sure why. He asked Isidora, "What time should she be here tomorrow?"
"Nine in the morning," she said, her tone resigned.
"Perfect. Prepare her introductory packet and materials and I'll bring her back to pick them up." Christopher turned to me. "Come with me and I'll give you a tour of the place. We've got some cool gargoyles out in the courtyard. You'll love them."
And just like that, I was part of the program.
Four
I showed up at the Dragon Research and Authority Center at nine in the morning as requested.
Yesterday was a whirlwind. I was given a contract for my father to sign. It had taken some cajoling, but after I had shown him a website showcasing previous Dragon Research Initiate Program participants, his attitude softened noticeably. All of the past participants featured on the webpage were highly successful. I didn't blame my father for his reluctance really. It must have sounded crazy to him, the idea that I was going to be studying in a boarding school he knew nothing about. With the website listing all the alumni, he had to admit that the education was clearly superior than what I would otherwise receive anyw
here else. I told him tuition and board were covered by the program, it was free education. He relented when I told him I would be able to see the family on the weekends, and he finally signed the paperwork.
I was free.
The introductory packet was lean, only a few papers stating that we'd find out more about the program once we began. It didn't mention a probation period, but I was determined not to mess up this time, probation period or not.
I was in the waiting room again. This time twelve others were seated with me. I smiled at Maribel. She gave me a lopsided grin. She didn't need to know I was a fluke participant because of Christopher's influence. The mystery of his power still intrigued me. I would have to look into that.
Some of the others talked to each other nervously, but the excitement in the air was palpable. None of us knew what was in store. I glanced around the room and realized there were seven boys and five girls. Without my inclusion in the program the numbers would have been an even dozen.
The man from the interview stepped out. He counted us all. He nodded to himself and began speaking. "My name's Guillen and I'm going to be your instructor for the duration of the program. Congratulations on being accepted into the Dragon Research Initiate Program. As a participant, you join the ranks of a privileged few. The Dragon Research and Authority Center is committed to a partnership with you and will be an asset to your educational and professional life. Previous participants have benefited greatly from the program. You would do well to make the most of it."
He paused. His brown eyes looked across our group. "Today will be an orientation day. You're going to be getting a lot of information at once. Some of it may feel overwhelming. If you need to talk, I'm available to converse. You're also to come to me with any questions you might have. You will be shown your living accommodations when we return. Your luggage has already been taken there.
"Does everyone have a copy of their schedule?" A chorus of yeses met his question.
"From this moment on," he continued, "You're expected to show up at every event mentioned on the schedule. Failure to show up means expulsion from the program. No excuses."
To my left, a boy with dark hair raised his hand. "I have a clash on the twentieth of the month. I won't be able to be here."
"You're dismissed." Guillen gestured to the woman behind the counter. "Kindly leave your copy of the schedule and handbook with Paola."
The boy blinked. "But..."
Guillen didn't wait for the boy's explanation. "No exceptions. We don't have much time, so I'd appreciate you moving quickly."
The only sound in the room was that of the boy getting up from his seat and following Guillen's instructions. We all watched as he solemnly handed his items over to Paola. He looked at Guillen in stunned disbelief as if waiting for him to reconsider, but Guillen wasn't looking at him. The boy turned away, his shoulders slumped. I couldn't bear to watch him as he left the room, choosing to stare at my sneakers instead.
Guillen spoke as soon as the door closed behind the boy. "Does anyone else have a conflict? I'd rather you leave now instead of further down the line. The only exit option after today is death. Understood?"
Death? I raised my head quickly. Guillen's expression was stoic. With a sinking feeling I realized that he meant every word. What kind of program was this? I snuck a glance at the others and saw that most of them appeared as shaken as I was. I waited with growing apprehension for Guillen to continue.
"No one else? Alright then." He smiled at me, a sharp line that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Well, look at that. It appears I'll have a class of twelve after all. I do so like an even number."
I felt my face flush as the others turned to stare at me.
"Let's find out what everyone's called," Guillen continued. "Go ahead. What's your name?" he prompted me.
"I'm Vanessa," I said. Guillen's gaze shifted to the boy on my left. Everyone stated their names in quick succession.
"I'm Kevin."
"Elena."
"Iris."
"Quentin."
"Jordi."
"I'm Oliver."
"Maribel."
"I'm Pol." Pol had a mess of curly hair and a lazy grin. I grinned back.
"Franco here."
"Beatriz."
"I'm Leire Gomez. My father is Ramón Gomez." Leire had an upturned nose which gave her a haughty appearance. She arched an eyebrow in a challenge, but Guillen's face was impassive. He clearly didn't care who her father was. The girl sitting next to Leire, Beatriz, rolled her eyes. I hid a smile.
"All twelve of you will accompany me to get your charmstone amulets. Let's head out." Guillen led the way and the rest of us followed him.
Five
The sun was bright outside. Birds were chirping happily and there was a slight breeze. I took a deep breath, taking in the smell of grass. It felt good to be out in the open air. We followed Guillen as he made his way down the main streets and narrow inner streets. We squeezed through a tight alley that opened up to a wider one. I glanced around me in wonder. I'd thought I'd explored every corner of the El Born district, but I had never been here.
Guillen paused at the entrance of a store and his eyes roamed over us as if counting to make sure we were all there. We stood in front of a large window-display showcasing beautiful jewelry designs. Elegant gold script on the sign above the door declared it Karam Jewelry. Guillen pushed open the door and we followed him in. The store was spacious enough to fit fifty of us but felt cozy nonetheless. In the center of the room was a dark wood and glass display-case exhibiting gorgeous pieces. The light from the large windows made the jewelry inside sparkle where it caught on diamonds and gemstones.
"This is Dina," Guillen said. "She owns Karam Jewelry. As part of the program, you will be given one charmstone amulet. Select a piece of jewelry and Dina will customize it for you by adding a charmstone." The jeweler displayed a red gemstone between her forefinger and her thumb. She moved her hand and it looked like there was a small fire within the stone.
Guillen continued, "The Center will pay for your charmstone amulets. You're required to wear yours at all times, day and night. Look around the store and choose wisely. You can select one item but make sure it's something that you're comfortable wearing daily."
Leire spoke up. "Anything?"
"Anything." Guillen bared his teeth. It may have been an attempt at a smile.
A lanky boy with brown hair said, "I don't wear jewelry."
"She has a nice selection of badges, pins, and cufflinks. I'd caution against the cufflinks. Difficult to wear when you're in a t-shirt. Go ahead and look around. You have thirty minutes to make your selection."
Leire moved quickly to the center of the store toward the large glass display-case. The others drifted off in different directions.
The girl next to me snorted. "Trust her to seek out the more expensive items."
I looked at her. It was the same girl who had rolled her eyes when Leire introduced herself earlier: Beatriz. "Do you know her?" I asked.
She made a face. "She's a family friend. We've known each other since we were young. She can be a bit much. I'm Beatriz. What's your name again?"
"Vanessa," I said.
"You're new to Barcelona." It didn't sound like a question.
"Yes, how did you know?"
Beatriz eyed me critically. "There's something different about you. I can't figure it out, but you stand out. Everyone else moves a certain way. I can't really explain it." She nodded toward the rest of our group, all of them spread across the store. "Let's go select our amulets before they're all gone."
Beatriz moved to the shelf to her right and I followed her. The store had several cabinets carved out of the same brown wood as the display-case in the center of the store. The cabinets beautifully complemented the jewelry. The cabinet we stood at had rows of rings. Gold, rose-gold, and silver rings with modern designs. Beatriz bit her lip as she studied them one-by-one. She glanced up at me. "See anything you like?"
> "Not really." I held up my hands. "I'm not much of a ring person."
She tilted her head. "Earrings? Necklace? Anklet?"
My hand rose to the thin gold choker around my neck. "Maybe something to match this?"
Beatriz moved down the rows of glass cases as I followed in a more leisurely manner. She called to me and pointed at one. "This might work. It suits you."
I made my way to her and looked down at the item she was pointing at. It looked like a round gold coin stamped with a dragon in flight. Above the dragon was a crescent and a star. The star had a diamond in the center. It was beautiful. It was also insanely expensive from the eye-watering price tag.
"I feel like it would be wrong to replace the diamond with a charmstone," I murmured to Beatriz.
"I can rework the piece so that it's a crescent and sun. The charmstone will be in the center of the sun," a voice said from over my shoulder. "Try it on."
The designer unlocked the case and took the pendant out. She offered to put it around my neck and I turned around. I felt the gold chain as it fell to the hollow in my neck. It was the perfect length and it didn't feel heavy. I could definitely wear this piece day and night if I had to. I looked in the mirror and loved how it looked.
Dina watched me twist and turn. She gave me a warm smile. "What do you think?"
"Crescent and sun?" My voice was doubtful.
"Trust me, I'll make it work. You'll love it."
"But the price..." My voice trailed off as Beatriz elbowed me. I realized I was telling the designer that her work was too expensive. I snapped my mouth shut, embarrassed by my tactlessness.
She winked at me. "Don't worry about the price. The Center are great clients and get a generous discount in return. Dragons are picky about giving away their gold. Shall I write it down?" Dina asked me, pen and paper in hand.
"Yes, please." I took the pendant off and placed it face-up on the case.