Divulgence (Song of Sophangence Book 2)

by E. I. McAllistair

  Ringing the doorbell, she was greeted by Anaar wearing nothing but a skintight dark blue bodysuit. Though it was better than him being naked, the way it contoured to every portion of his body like it was his skin, almost gave the illusion of him being naked.

  “Oh hey Stefani. I didn’t expect anyone to be coming over. Come on in.”

  It was only Stefani’s second time in the expansive room and she had forgotten just how impressive it was. What was more impressive was how pristine everything was. The marble floors shined, the furniture looked as if it never saw use, it was as if it was a model home. Taking a seat in one of the comfortable chairs at Anaar’s behest, he disappeared, only to return with glasses, and a pitcher of a vibrantly maroon colored juice.

  Pouring her a glass, “It’s pomegranate, starfruit and cherry. I’ve been trying out new ideas lately.”

  Taking a sip of the juice, her mouth was flooded with flavor, both tart and tangy, yet also sweet. “This is delicious! You should tell the cafeteria about this. Did you come up with this yourself?”

  “Yeah. It has really great nutritional benefits too. You just have to be careful. Drinking it too often could stain your teeth.”

  “Wow, you never cease to amaze me Anaar.” Taking another sip of the wonderful liquid she closes her eyes, savoring the flavor.

  “What brings you this way? Even though we are technically neighbors, that is only if you look at it without the massive distance between us.”

  “I was actually on my way back from the auditorium and just found myself here I guess.”

  “Oh crap. Was there some event I missed? I have been on missions nonstop lately, so I totally must have forgotten.”

  Throwing up her hands, waving them in the air to indicate that he was wrong, “No, no! You didn’t miss anything. I had heard from Maggie you were on missions a lot lately. Since we only have the couple of classes together, it doesn’t register to me as much that you are away. How are those going?”

  Taking a sip of the juice with a shrug, “So far so good. We haven’t failed any yet. Some are much harder than others. The pay has been phenomenal, which I can’t complain about since that is the main reason I came to Sophangence in the first place. I’m able to take care of my mom very well already, and I’m just in my Freshman year. I thought I would have to wait until graduation to be able to provide for her.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear! I am spoiled in the fact that I never have thought about money, or needing to provide for my family. I also have lots of money saved from my music career that is all my own, so it never dawned on me people would come to this school for the investment it made into their future financial life.”

  “Nothing wrong with that! You are extremely talented, and not only have you worked hard for the money you’ve accumulated, but from what you have told me, your parents work hard as well. You shouldn’t feel ashamed of having money or being privileged. People seem to always feel bad about that stuff I’m finding. It is just the way of things for there to be different levels of people.”

  “You don’t have to say that. It is ok to not be happy with the way people are treated based on their attunement, or the disparities it creates. I’m ok with being called a spoiled rich Air Affinity!”

  They both laugh for a moment as they sit in silence. Taking another sip of his juice, “Well soon people are going to start calling me a spoiled rich kid, so I have no room to throw stones. I’m finally getting a break from missions though. I miss spending time with you guys.”

  “Aww! We miss you too! Things just aren’t the same when you aren’t around. I’m happy that we are going to get you back.”

  “Yeah, just in time for finals, lucky me.”

  “You still have perfect scores despite being gone. Do you actually expect me to believe you are worried about finals?”

  “Busted.”

  “Indeed. I wonder what our combat final is going to be like this time. Maybe it will be the same as last time.”

  Shaking his head, “Doubtful. At least one of our professors is clinically insane, it stands to reason they would find some different means to test and torture us.”

  “This is true, we have been doing far less group exercises this trimester. I wonder if that is intentional.”

  “Possibly, but whatever it is I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  “You mean you’ll be fine. You are number 2 in the entire school!”

  “No, I meant what I said. You have been making significant progress. You need to give yourself more credit.”

  “If you say so…”

  “You still haven’t told me what caused the impromptu visit, or why you were in the auditorium.”

  Clapping her hands, “Oh! I totally forgot! I was holding tryouts.”

  “Tryouts? For what?”

  “I forgot you have been off campus so much, it probably just flew past you. I am starting a musical group. I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.”

  “That’s great news! I know how passionate you are about music. I think this is a great way to get others on board to help expand your influence. So what type of group will it be? You have so much experience it could be anything.”

  “Well that is the downside of having so many options. I have no idea! It seems students want contemporary music, but that has never been my strong suit. I like it, don’t get me wrong, but I am classically trained.”

  “You think bringing in people who have more of an ear for the contemporary sound will allow you to reach a larger portion of the student body?”

  “Maybe. It all depends on what the group wants to do. I’m used to being a solo act, so I want to try to make sure I give everyone in the group equal agency.”

  “It sounds like you already have the group picked out.”

  “There were some strong contenders. I worry about personalities though. That is one of the things I always heard horror stories about in the business. Being solo you only had to answer to yourself and your vision.”

  “Perhaps you can meet with those you really liked over a meal or something to get to know them better if you are worried about that. It is a big step to create a group. It wouldn’t do to not take your time and really be happy with the people you want to work with.”

  “I completely agree! It could be like a second round to an interview! I don’t want to make it seem like we are so exclusive, but I really want people I think will be able to contribute in both talent and positivity. There is also creativity. I know covers are popular, but I think it would be nice to make some of our own material too.”

  “There is nothing like playing something you created yourself. In some ways, there is no way for you to really mess up. When you own it, changes to the sound could be mistakes, or brilliant addendums.”

  “Right?! You don’t have to worry about anyone saying you didn’t do it as well as someone else, just because you decided to put your own touch on it. Just copying someone is boring, and to me isn’t the true spirit of music. You so get it Anaar, I guess that is why I came here.”

  “I’m happy to talk music with you any time. I know how important it is to you. It is literally your power! Anything I can do to help I am willing.”

  Jumping up from her seat, “You mean that?!”

  Flashing her a beaming smile, “Of course.”

  “In that case, could you please join my group? I really want a violinist, but no one was any good!”

  How in the hell did I manage to fall into that trap? “Stefani, that is flattering, but you just said yourself that you wanted a violinist that was good. I have been playing the violin less than a year. I’m terrible!”

  Rushing over to grab his hands, she peers intently into his eyes. “That is what makes you so special! Do you realize just how good you are? When I heard you playing during the Junior Melee it brought tears to my eyes. This is all in under a year’s time! Even though I love music, I haven’t kept up with the violin like you have since our class. You on the other hand seem to be practi
cing and playing, growing more and more masterful each day! And you write your own music! Please Anaar. With you, I know I’ll not only get someone who is an amazing talent, but also someone I know and trust.”

  Finding himself in an inescapable position as he peered back into the girl’s eyes, one brown and one bluish-grey, Anaar realized his break from missions was only going to make way for new responsibilities. With a final sigh and a nod, he agrees to become part of Stefani’s band.

  Releasing a squeal of joy, she leaps onto him, hugging him tightly. “You have no idea how much this means to me! I was so scared going into this because I didn’t know how I would work with others, but I feel like things will be much easier with you around!”

  Once Stefani had let him go, he looked at her with staggering apprehension. “Wait, this isn’t going to get me in trouble with Ripp is it? If she finds out you are neglecting your training and I am helping you, I’m the one who is getting shot.”

  Sitting back down with a dismissive hand gesture, “Don’t worry about Sophia. I promise I won’t neglect my training.”

  “Are you sure? You know she only has a few months until graduation. I suspect she will be trying to squeeze every bit out of you while she can. Though if you are unlucky, she’ll just portal in to make you continue your training even after she graduates.”

  Putting her hand to her mouth, “You think she’d do that?”

  “It’s Ripp! Of course she’d do that! It’s your fault for having a Transporter as a mentor. A drill sergeant Transporter at that.”

  “How is it my fault?! I didn’t choose her!”

  “Well you are stuck with her now. Don’t be surprised if she is on campus far more than other alumni. Not a day goes by where there isn’t at least one alumnus running around campus, it is going to be far easier for her to come back.”

  “You have managed to make my day, and ruin it all at once.”

  “Think of it as my fee.”

  “This is still exciting though. With you in the group we will be much more successful!”

  His head snapping to attention in her direction, “What do you mean, ‘much more successful?’”

  “You are a campus celebrity! You are the number 2 in the school. People even think you might really be number 1, you just let Phavian win. It isn’t like you would go all out on your boyfriend would you? Because of that, everyone knows who you are now. Maybe if I have another audition, this time with it being noted that you are already part of the group…”

  “Wait! Are you already pimping out my unsolicited fame for the purposes of your own ends?!”

  Fingering one of her curls innocently, “Well since you have it already, there is no point in squandering it…”

  “I don’t think I’ll ever get away from people using me for their own exploits, will I?”

  With a wink and a smile, “It’s your own fault for being so good at everything.”

  “And now it’s all my fault. If you are going to use me, can we at least go get some food first?”

  “Absolutely! Then we can discuss direction for the group, and I can show you the audition videos-”

  Holding up his hands in protest, “Whoa there. I agreed to be in the group. This is your project. All of that is your responsibility. I’m just here to do as I’m told.”

  “Well I’m telling you we are going to figure out the group direction and watch auditions!”

  I walked right into that. I need more practice dealing with these kind of situations…

  27

  Coming off an amazing workout, Anaar dresses himself in preparation for his combat final. Much like the last time, the professors had been tight lipped about the details of the final, but they had at least made it clear which day it would take place. Making his way to the Cafeteria for some well deserved and much needed breakfast, he finds a face he is not used to seeing so early in the morning on these days. Bringing his tray to sit, Anaar takes up position opposite of Codi who looks as if she is not happy about something.

  “What the fuck do you want?”

  “Good morning to you too Codi. What has you in here so early?”

  “Family shit. Couldn’t sleep. What about you?”

  “This is pretty normal for me honestly. I just finished working out, and I have my combat final today.”

  “Oh, so that is why you have more weapons on you than normal. You are a bad fucking influence you know that?”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “I’m sure you will find out today. I know I’m second string, but whenever Maggie wants to keep things from you, she talks to me instead.”

  “Okay… so this has to do with Maggie? She hasn’t seemed out of the ordinary these past couple weeks, even though I traded one master for another, so my time is not much my own.”

  “Who’s got you by the balls now? I finally got Phave back since you two decided to stop globetrotting. Are you doing solo missions now?”

  “In some ways I actually wish I were doing missions instead. I love Stefani and all, but the girl becomes a different person when music is involved.”

  “What does that delicious beauty have to do with this?”

  “You know I joined her music group, right? Well it is practice, practice, practice. It seems like every day there is something new.”

  Pointing at him and laughing, “You are such a pussy! Why don’t you just tell her no?”

  “I don’t think you have seen her when she is angry. It exponentially intensifies if it has to do with music.”

  “You people kill me. You complain about being pushed into things you don’t want to do, when in reality you are really happy to do it. Phave has told me how much you like playing the violin. Why that is the case is a mystery to me, but now you even have that fucker raving about your music.”

  Stuffing a massive forkful of eggs into his mouth, them seemingly disappearing without him even chewing, “I do like it, but that was when it was my own little secret, an escape if you will. Now it feels like I’m being forced to do it. Stefani is a harsh mistress.”

  Licking her lips, “Well if you want, I’m sure I can teach her some manners for you.”

  “Sure, you go right ahead. Nice knowing you.”

  “Whatever. I have to go study now because some overbearing asshole is going to get a perfect score on the A&P final, so I have to go study my ass off to match it.” Grabbing her tray, she stands to walk away.

  “Love you too Codi.”

  As she leaves, she sends a heavy jolt at him, while sticking out her tongue, making her way to put up her tray. Almost immediately after Codi leaves, another person who Anaar does not recognize at first, takes her now vacated place opposite of him.

  “Do you dislike my friends so much that you wait until they are gone to say hello?”

  The man, with his bronzed skin tone, hazel eyes, and short styled hair cut simply scowls in response. “One day I am going to figure out how you can identify me immediately. As for your friends, I am sure they are the ones who don’t like me. I’d rather not be assaulted by the foul-mouthed spark plug.”

  “You’d be surprised. She is actually one of the few people I have known to come to your defense. Maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to judge.”

  “People are quick to judge me. I only return the favor.”

  “I know that we have talked about your not so wonderful past a bit, I get that, but I don’t think being a Shapeshifter makes people dislike you. It’s the things you do that makes people dislike you. Maybe trying to change your image would help.”

  “I change my image all the time.”

  Pointing his fork at them, “You know what I mean.”

  “We can’t all be as beloved as you. Oh great god Anaar, paragon of beauty, skill, and intellect. He can do no wrong! Maybe I should impersonate you, rack up some good deeds and then shock everyone when they find out it is really me.”

  “Okay, firstly, I am not worshiped! Secondly, we have talked about that, no chang
ing into me, it just weirds me out seeing myself.”

  “You still see me as someone who can be saved. I know better than to believe that. Whether it is due to my own actions, or something else entirely, I accept that I’m going to be a pariah forever.”

  “You will stay a pariah because no one feels they can really get to know you. That isn’t exactly your fault. You should feel free to change how you look as much as you want. No one is going to chide me for cutting my hair, or putting on glasses, but they will instantly condemn you for just being who you are. I wish people weren’t so ignorant, but they are. Maybe that is the perfect test for you. If someone can accept you fully for who you are, then they are worth keeping around and fighting for.”

  “Someone like you?”

  “I didn’t say that to imply myself, but it doesn’t seem like you are interested in sticking to one persona, so your only option is to surround yourself with people who accept that.”

  “When you have been alone this long you come to embrace the solitude.”

  “Yet here you are. I don’t buy that for one minute. Probably because I have already lived through that phase of my life.” Glancing down at his Vizer, “I need to get to class, but give me a call if you need someone to talk to. Or just show up like you usually do. See ya Mercurial.”

  Taking his tray, he leaves Merc behind as he dumps it, then exits the building. Taking the train to the Combat Complex South, he prepares himself for whatever strange test his professors have in store. As he had discussed with others, a repeat of last trimester just seemed too simple, so he decided he would bring all his weapons just in case.

  Moving to his seat in between his friends, they all smiled at him as he approached, but outside of that, each one of them wore steely expressions as if they were prepared for the worst. Even the usually nervous yet chipper Stefani had her jaw set, with her hair braided down, and a very sensible outfit that was not nearly as stylish as he was used to seeing her in. From what he could tell, Dan had even more holsters of paper on him than normal, no doubt in anticipation he may have to face off against JaMarkus. Because of his frequent missions, they had not been afforded the opportunities for their normal study and training sessions, so Anaar looked forward to seeing how he had grown on his own.