Divulgence (Song of Sophangence Book 2)

by E. I. McAllistair

  Phavian spent the rest of his day making sure everyone was going to be in attendance, and dressed accordingly. To his surprise, everyone seemed to think he was a complete idiot to even ask as a summons directly to the Headmistress’ home was something that no student ever even dreamed of. Most people had gone out to buy new outfits, or gotten their hair styled just for such a prestigious event.

  Everyone also seemed to think that it would be unacceptable to show up without a gift, which caused much anxiety. Though someone like Dan or Ripp did not seem too worried about how the Headmistress would receive the gift, others like Maggie and Zenia had worked themselves into madness. Even though Phavian tried to remind them the gift was for Anaar, not the Headmistress, they were adamant it was important that the Headmistress be impressed if Anaar were to open the gift in her presence.

  Getting himself styled and ready first, as Anaar played a solemn melody on his violin, he pushed Anaar to do the same once he was done in the shower. When Anaar seemed completely uninterested, as he was going to get soaked anyway, Phavian channeled Maggie’s style, making it clear that he was the only one who could be relaxed in such a situation, so it was important they matched. Still grumbling but giving in, Anaar showered again, and even dressed in the clothes Phavian had prepared for him, muttering something about relationships requiring too much compromise.

  Getting Anaar to take a shuttle rather than walk to the train proved much easier, as even he knew not to keep the Headmistress waiting. When they had arrived at the gates, Phavian’s jaw dropped open when they simply opened for him instead of needing to be buzzed in. Navigating the Headmistress’ home as if it were his own, Phavian trailed just behind Anaar until suddenly Anaar’s hand shot out to Phavian’s chest prompting him to halt.

  “What’s going on?”

  Looking around suspiciously, Anaar simply replies, “That’s what I want to know.”

  “What does that even mean?!”

  Putting his finger to his lips to silence him, Anaar again becomes very still, surveying the area. “There are a lot of people here. Something isn’t right. I think Ixnes may have set up an ambush for us.”

  “In her house?! Look at this place! That speck of dust is worth more than we are combined.”

  “Trust me, there is no dust in this house. She also could pay for these things a billion times over. To be safe though I won’t use my powers. I knew I shouldn’t have let you talk me into not bringing weapons.”

  “Who brings knives to a gunfight?!”

  “The Immortal and the person who can make himself bulletproof.”

  “Whatever, you are just being paranoid, come on…”

  Dragging him forward with much resistance and caution, when they enter the next room, Anaar and Phavian are greeted with a number of people jumping out screaming, “Surprise!”

  Looking at Phavian as he joins in the clapping and cheering of everyone else, Anaar punches him hard in the arm. “You almost made me turn everyone into paste!”

  The cheering and clapping immediately dies down as everyone looks nervous, and simultaneously accuses Phavian with their eyes.

  “What?! It isn’t my fault he could sense you guys or something! Don’t blame me! I played my part!”

  From the side, they hear a heavily accented voice ring out, “Happy birthday sweetheart!”

  Anaar immediately runs over to the woman, picking her up, hugging her and spinning her around. “Mom!”

  Ixnes appears nearby, no doubt pleased with her work. Draped in a deep festive pink, she smiles warmly at how receptive Anaar is to his mother’s presence. Once he had put her down, Ixnes moves to speak the crowd.

  “Everyone, now that our esteemed guest has arrived, and not killed us all, I believe it is time for celebration!”

  The doors open up and there is food, drink and live music playing all around, with the rooms outside of the one they are standing completely decorated in celebration. Anaar looks around at all the people gathered there for him, and the sheer exorbitance of the event, and cannot hold back his tears, which moves everyone, many of the people shedding tears themselves. Phavian slides up, putting his arm around Anaar’s waist, which immediately prompts him to turn and kiss him deeply, sending up hoots from the guests.

  “I know this had to be you. I was wondering why you were acting so funny, or why everyone was on pins and needles around me lately. As wonderful as Ixnes is, she is definitely not planning a surprise party. Well, at least not initiating it. I have a feeling that once the idea was out there you didn’t have much control.”

  “It is freaky how well you know the Headmistress. Either way, happy birthday babe. You deserve all this and more.” Extending his hand to Anaar’s mother, “I am Phavian Ingraham, the man your amazing son suffers. Pleased to finally meet you ma’am. He talks about you all the time.”

  “I am Brighid my child. None of this hand shaking nonsense! Come give me a hug!”

  Watching as Phavian sweettalked his mother, Anaar looked around to see all the faces that had come to celebrate his birthday. Most of his friends, with the exception of Merc it seemed, were there, no doubt invited by Phavian, and it seems Ixnes had done some inviting of her own. Already he could see Jadeyn breaking up an argument between Miles and Fredderick. Harston, for once being waited on instead of doing the waiting, raised his glass when their eyes met. Even Master Shin was in attendance, far more jovial than he had expected the old kung fu master to be in such a situation. Making his way over to Ixnes and James, Anaar gives her a tight hug thanking her for the grand efforts she had put forth.

  “Don’t thank me child. If anyone, thank that boy of yours and James here. He is quite the event planner. He also so graciously brought your mother here tonight.”

  Bowing in embarrassment, “You flatter me ma’am, I only followed instructions. I will take my leave now. I will be happy to bring Ms. Vorphal back whenever she is ready.”

  Stopping James before he left, Anaar grabs his arm. “Wait, James, you are leaving?”

  “Of course. This is your celebration.”

  “And did you think that you wouldn’t be invited to it, especially given all the work it seems you have done?”

  “I was only doing my job. It wouldn’t be right of me to presume.”

  “Actually, it would be right of you to presume. James you do just as much for me as anyone else. It doesn’t matter if it is your job or not. It is Master Shin’s job to teach me, and Harston’s job to take care of me. Why would they get to be here and not you?”

  “If you would have me, I would be happy to stay.”

  “Please do. Thank you for all your work. I’m sure there are a ton of other things you have done for me that I’m not even aware of.”

  Finding himself only able to smile bashfully in response, Ixnes gives a knowing smirk as she watches him nod and join the festivities.

  “You have built up quite the gaggle of friends child. Imagine my surprise when that boy of yours sent over the guest list. With so many people, I could not help but add a few of my own.”

  “The training was all a ruse to get me here then? That couldn’t have been Phavian’s idea.”

  “Oh child, the training may not happen tonight, but tomorrow is a different day entirely!”

  This is what I get for opening my big mouth.

  Making the rounds throughout the party, Anaar found himself quite pleased with how well his peers got along with the other important adults in his life. Maggie had clearly already attached herself to Jadeyn, talking about a number of things technology related that he was not even aware she knew of. Unfortunately, since Jadeyn was preoccupied with Maggie, there was no one to play mediator to Miles and Fredderick.

  “There is no way Anaar would have wanted you here you insufferable fossil! Everyone knows you are strange! You are completely ruining the party!”

  “Miles, there seems to be a group of students over there you have not sexually harassed yet. Shouldn’t you be putting your time to better
use?”

  “The very fact that I still have the faculties to do anything sexual makes me better than you! When is the last time anyone touched that shriveled thing other than yourself?!”

  Coming to stand in between the two men, Anaar puts his hands up to stop their bickering.

  “Can you two just get along for one night? For me? Actually, I don’t even need you to get along, just stay away from one another. There is literally no reason for you two to be within speaking range of each other in this place.”

  “Anaar my boy! Many birthday congratulations! May you live to be my age and more!”

  Don’t think that will be a problem…

  “No one wants to live the wretched life you do old man! Don’t wish that upon our beautiful Anaar!”

  Turning to face Miles, “Would you rather I get killed off years before my time then? If it wasn’t for Gramps, the study of attunements would probably still be in a state equivalent to the ages before electricity.”

  Pouting at his defense of Fredderick, Miles simply stays quiet as Fredderick seems to be more than pleased Anaar took his side.

  “Thankfully someone in this room has some sense to know the value of my work, unlike some spoiled brats we know.”

  “Gramps, don’t you get started either. Miles is the sole reason why Sophangence easily stands far above any other institution of its kind in the world. If it had an international program like other colleges, it would no doubt be host to the most powerful people on the planet. Unfortunately thanks to nationalism, this place is treated like a secret country asset.”

  Pointing and laughing, Miles mocks Fredderick, no doubt happy that it seemed his praise was higher. “See there! There wouldn’t be a Sophangence if it weren’t for me!”

  “No, I said your advances in technology makes Sophangence the best. Even without you, we would still exist, we simply wouldn’t have such luxuries as Vizers or sentient AIs. Don’t put words in my mouth.”

  Before Miles can respond, Anaar pushes him away from Fredderick, toward Jadeyn and Maggie, still deep in conversation. Dan was standing idly by, possibly trying to be a good boyfriend, but the rapid-fire exchanges between the two women left him in little more than a stupor. Dragging Miles to stand next to Jadeyn, he taps her on the shoulder quickly.

  “Babysit your boss. He is causing trouble.”

  “Anaar! Happy birthday! You have so many nice friends! Why didn’t you tell me about how amazing Maggie is?!”

  “Jadeyn, I talk about Maggie all the time.”

  “Well you didn’t make it clear she was this awesome!”

  “Actually, I think I make it a point to talk about how awesome she is, and I don’t deserve a best friend like her.”

  “Well you didn’t put it into proper context!”

  “Ok I’m done. I’m going to save Dan before your inconsiderate nerd talk turns him into a cucumber.” Grabbing Dan’s shoulder, he snaps the boy out of his daze as he moves to guide him away. Turning back for just a moment, he points at Miles. “Don’t let that one out of your sight! Be a responsible adult!”

  Leaving the Miles, Maggie and Jadeyn together, Dan and Anaar walk away, Dan quite grateful for the rescue.

  “How you do it man? Being in a relationship is hard! It seem like I cain’t do nothin’ right no more!”

  Anaar chuckles, “Lots of patience. Trust me, I’m learning myself that love doesn’t just make annoying shit go away. Has Maggie tried to kill you yet?”

  Looking at Anaar fearfully, “Naw…”

  “Well you guys are off to a better start than Phavian and me!”

  “That shit just right scary man. Sorry I couldn’t get you nothin’ for ya birthday, ‘specially after all ya done did to get me and Mags together.”

  “Just you being here is enough Dan, don’t worry. Everyone has things they can do within their means. Clearly the Headmistress has spent who knows how much money on all of this, but that is easily within her means. So much so that the party itself means very little in relation to what she is capable of. What was the most special to me was her bringing my mom here. That cost her nothing really, but it was worth more than all she spent on this event. Don’t fret over money. Soon you are going to be able to take on missions, and bring in tons of money for yourself and Hekiah.”

  “Aww see there you go! I’m ‘posed to be givin’ you all da advice and warm gushy stuff and you doin’ for me instead. Leave me here. I’ll be good. I’ma go try some of this fancy food.”

  Leaving Dan to his devices to raid one of the food tables, he spots Pryshka talking to Codi, and moves to speak to the two women.

  When he approaches, Pryshka immediately grabs hold of him, giving him a tight hug. “Anaar! Happy birthday! Only you can have the world’s most intimidating birthday party! Who celebrates their birthday with the Headmistress of all people, and not only that, in her house! I can actually tell people I have been to Headmistress Sastre’s house!”

  “You can thank or either blame Phavian for that, your choice. I had no idea, which is quite impressive that no one let it slip. How long have you guys known about this?”

  “Well I’ve known about it forever. I just didn’t think that Phave would be able to pull it off. He surprised the hell out of me when he told me he had gotten Headmistress Sastre to pitch in. Even I was impressed with the fucker. Once.”

  “That makes sense you would know Codi. That is your best friend, you two are inseparable! The rest of us only got a day’s notice, but who is going to say no to an invite to the Headmistress’ house?!”

  Looking at Codi with a dry expression, “And here Pryshka just admitted she only came for the house and the food, not me.”

  “Why the fuck else would anyone come? No one likes you! Fucking know-it-all. I still owe you an asskicking for acing the A&P final!”

  “So did you!”

  “That isn’t the point! I wanted all the glory to myself!”

  “Sorry Codi, you have to learn how to share.”

  “I share! Alcohol, girls… Okay that’s about it, but at least I do share! You haven’t given anyone a chance to get even close to the top of the ACR since you got here!”

  “What am I supposed to do? Purposely fail a test?”

  “Yes fucker! This only makes it clear that you are an asshole. You have the solution, you just refuse to use it!”

  Giving her a dismissive hand wave, he bids the women goodbye as he surveys the room. Interestingly enough it appeared as if Ixnes was making a special effort to interact with everyone there, especially the students.

  Working the room as usual. I guess that helps. It is easier for her to approach them, rather than they approach her.

  Noticing Master Shin talking to Jesus and Zenia, he realizes that Master Shin is giving them his appraising gaze, likely sizing them up as potential students in the future. Moving over to the group, he is given a hug by Zenia, and a fist bump by Jesus.

  “Damn dude! I thought you were always full of shit when you said Master Shin was your martial arts teacher! Now I know why you kick so much ass! For him to even come to your birthday party says something.”

  As calm and poised as ever, Master Shin gives only the faintest hint of a smile. “This one is the biggest troublemaker I have ever encountered. Just today alone he tried to sever an old man’s arm.”

  Looking at Master Shin with shock, “That blade didn’t even come close to hitting you!”

  “It came closer than I would have liked.”

  “That is like saying an airplane flying overhead came closer than you would like. There is no way it posed any threat to you. If I did manage to sever your arm, we could have Zenia here reattach it. She puts much of the hospital staff to shame with her healing powers.”

  “Yeah Zen is pretty awesome. I totally had this burning after a night out and…”

  Both Anaar and Zenia glare at Jesus, their eyes daring him to finish that sentence in the presence of Master Shin. Grabbing him by the arm, pulling him away, Zenia sla
ps him on the back of the head as they move away, her scolding him all the while.

  “What in the bloody hell is wrong with you?! Telling everyone about your downstairs burning! You ought to be ashamed!”

  As they disappear across the room Master Shin moves closer, surprisingly amused.

  “You have quite the interesting group of friends. The girl has quite a bit of potential.”

  “Yeah, she is a shining example for Medics. Her skills are unmatched.”

  “Except by you. You far exceed her, but you knew that already.”

  “It doesn’t do to have an overinflated ego, you taught me that.”

  “This is true, but if you continue to downplay your abilities, you will put up mental blocks to keep you at that level. I believe you told me of another with that exact problem.”

  “Dan is an unfortunate situation where lack of positive influence and affirmation has caused a serious dampening of his true abilities. In a year he has achieved so much just by finally believing in himself. It’s my hope that someday he has access to his full power all the time.”

  “You are already taking up the role of a teacher yourself. I have found that I made my most astounding growths after becoming a teacher. There is much to be learned from helping others reach their potential. Without you knowing it, you in turn are steadily increasing your own.”

  “Instead of wishing me a happy birthday you are continuing our lesson?”

  “Did you come here for me to give you something so meaningless?”

  “I suppose I didn’t. I’m so grateful for everyone who is here, and just the fact that it has happened, but I can’t help but think I don’t deserve it, and it is all wasted on me.”

  “You still struggle with your darkness and what it could lead to?”

  “It feels like less of a struggle. At least for the time being. That might have something to do with my relationship with Phavian. He fills me up in ways I didn’t know I needed. He annoys me too, but I think that is a normal part of spending so much time with someone. There was this gnawing emptiness, actually it was more like an attraction. It felt like I needed something, or something needed me. Maybe it is both. At least now it doesn’t bother me as much.”