Anaar gives both the women a look showing he was impressed. “Well Stefani, it seems your experiment was a success. Congratulations on discovering yet another power you hold. That is some potency too. That had to at least quadruple Ripp’s range. I’m scared to see what that would do for something more destructive. I wonder if it only effects the upper limit, or if it enhances everything… It might be problematic if it changes the scope of how you understand your powers…”
“Ok, enough nerd talk. We got what we came for. Let’s get back to campus. Are you going to help me plot out this course or what?”
Snapping from a stupor of contemplation, “Huh? Oh, yeah, of course. With Stef’s powers, that makes this trip much easier. I had been doing some calculations before, and just on your own, we would need to travel by way of Alaska into Russia so we don’t get stranded in the ocean. Now this opens up things dramatically.”
“Sounds like you already have some stuff in mind. Stef you finish getting the plans set. Meathead and I will get this course plotted.”
Returning to campus, everyone moves forward with their appointed tasks. Stefani begins setting up a schedule to send out to everyone, including things to bring, and general information. Anaar spent the next hour interrogating Ripp about how the change in her powers felt, and if she was certain she did not overshoot where she was expecting. Finally shutting down his many queries, they commence in plotting out the course, though there was not much to do as Anaar had been simultaneously working on the project with Hobb as he was grilling Ripp for information. When they had a set course, she sent him home, grumbling a low ‘Thanks.’ With preparations for the trip well under way, everyone including the passengers found themselves extremely excited to spend four days on an island paradise.
34
Finally the day had come for the massive exodus to begin. With more than ten people confirmed for the trip, Ripp had decided she did not want to take any chances. On the days leading up to the trip Stefani, Ripp and Anaar all made the trip to and from their resort with little incident in the beginning, and flawlessly by the last practice run. Doing such massive jumps left Ripp somewhat drained, especially since she was being artificially enhanced past her normal limit. Stefani much more in tune with her powers however, was quickly able to remedy that by infusing an energy boosting and restoring effect to her song as well.
As a result of the constant practice outside of the range of her normal abilities, Ripp had even noticed some residual benefits that increased her overall abilities. Though she still had not been the happiest about the fact she was basically being used as a human bus, she found that the increase in her powers were a worthwhile tradeoff. When it was time to depart, everyone met at Tempest Tower, partially because it was somewhat centralized for everyone’s dorms, but also as a matter of courtesy and decorum to Ripp. Everyone had heard tales of Ripp purposely portaling people to places unknown, stranding them for hours at a time, so no one wanted to risk that by asking her for any more than what she was already doing.
Stefani had everyone check to see if they would be able to squeeze another day into the trip, with most people taking no issue as their classes were over anyway. The number of Freshmen and Juniors on the trip made it easily a majority, with the others not seeing the harm of missing one day for an island adventure of a lifetime. What made everyone excited was the lack of horrendous transit in order to get to their paradise, which normally included passports, waiting, and hours of downtime. Outside of the need for multiple jumps, which no one dared complain about or even speak of, it was as close to instantaneous travel as they could get.
When everyone met at the appointed time and place, most people had one bag, of about standard carry on size, with a few bringing one larger piece of luggage. Stefani shocked everyone when she came down with three full sized pieces of luggage, her next door neighbor being nice enough to help her with the third bag. When she huffed up to the rest of the group, despite having one of the shortest trips of anyone, Ripp was the first to say what everyone else was thinking.
“Stef, what in the hell is wrong with you? We are going on a five day trip, with one of the days we are already dressed. Why do you have so much stuff?”
Looking around at everyone else’s belongings, Stefani is shocked and appalled at how meager their items were. “The better question is what is wrong with all of you?! This is a vacation! A tropical island one at that! Almost one bag alone is full of my beauty supplies! Where is the rest of everyone’s things?! Codi, you do your makeup and hair, how do you only have one bag?!”
“Stef, what the actual fuck. No one is trying to lug that much shit around. Who exactly is carrying this luggage? Didn’t you say something about needing to use your powers to make the trip smoother? That means we are going to be saddled with your shit! Anaar, blow it all up! Also no one would be upset if it somehow managed to cause the clothes she has on now to disappear too…”
Phavian who despite his excitement for the trip understood his parental duties, immediately snaps his head in Codi’s direction from where he was leaning against Anaar. “Shut up Codi.”
Ryn, who is not always part of their gatherings, thus not used to the shenanigans she had signed up for, looks to Maggie for an explanation of everything that was going on, which was met with an exasperated shake of her head. Still wanting to be helpful since she was more a plus one of Maggie’s rather than being very close to Stefani, she volunteered to take up the responsibility for one of the pieces of luggage. Not wanting things to drag on any longer than they had to, Anaar takes responsibility for another piece, quickly jabbing Phavian in the side, which prompted him to offer his services for the third piece. With the situation settled, Stefani began to play her music after doing one final check of everyone present.
The effect of Stefani’s music was evident in everyone who was gathered, some with increased senses finding they were suddenly sharper, and everyone feeling a stream of invigoration that only fueled their already feverish excitement. Opening the portal, explicit instructions were given to not move very far from the portal, but also not to block it either. Thanks to Stefani’s powers, Ripp was able to cut the jumps needed to arrive at their final destination from ten to only four. Though it was technically possible to achieve the jump in three rounds, both Ripp and Anaar agreed for safety, it would be best to add in one additional jump.
It took just under fifteen minutes for the entire trip, which made everyone cheer, not only for Ripp not dumping them somewhere out of spite, but for whatever Stefani had done to make it such a simple process. Immediately upon arrival their Vizers changed to incorporate their now late afternoon time. Though they had left early in the morning, the day on the island was clearly in full swing, with them being ready for dinner within a few hours.
Pryshka was the first to state what many others noted. “This is the first time I’m jetlagged without the jet… This is not very far in relation to where I visit my family in India, so I’m used to being so tired on this journey.”
Zenia was the next to agree with the change, given her frequent trips back home to Australia, but she instead focused on the difference of their surroundings compared to what they were used to. “The trip was definitely the best thing I have ever experienced, but do you see this bloody view?!”
Everyone was so caught up in the brief trip, they failed to recognize the majesty of the resort. Most people would only hope to see something nearly as magnificent in photos or a postcard. From where they were standing, they could see white sandy beach, empty and ready for them to make their mark on it. The water, greenish-blue, yet still crystal clear, it stretched farther than the eye could see. The bungalow styled lodgings that stood out from the water seemed both terrifying and exciting at the same time. The sandbars that provided areas to relax and lounge practically called to everyone as they adjusted to the marked difference in temperature. It was not unpleasant, but it was surely a change from their norm in Montana.
In order to take in the
sights and give Ripp a much needed break, they walked the rest of the way to their lodgings, where Stefani took over the transaction. They found that though their accommodations were their own, they could visit certain other islands that were communal, and allowed for a larger range of activities. Though there were more than enough rooms for everyone to have their own, Maggie and Dan, and Anaar and Phavian took the largest master suites, as they were couples and decided to stay together.
The larger suites had a number of additional amenities such as oversized jacuzzi tubs that could fit majority of the group in them, or kitchens and bars that allowed for more hosting opportunities. Given thirty minutes for everyone to put their things away and potentially change, they all regrouped to figure out what their first activity would be.
Everyone agreed that it was a bit too early to eat, as it was still early morning in their minds, despite their current surroundings. Instead they decided to do a boat tour around the islands to take in some of the sights. Codi being much wealthier than Stefani, checked to see what exactly came with their stay. There were a number of luxuries they were afforded, but additional items, food, and drinks were all additional.
As they were on the boat doing their tour, Codi climbed up to the highest point she could, then screamed out to everyone at the top of her lungs. “Okay you shitstains! This will not be a lame fucking vacation! Everyone is getting fucked up and we are having a good time! None of this reserved bullshit! This is the last time we can all get together like this! I would like to give a special thanks to Ripp, if I didn’t know how much it pisses you off, I would ask you to do this for me more often. Next up, Stef, you’re fucking awesome for setting this up and inviting us all. Lastly, I want to thank myself, because the rest of this trip is on me! Let the fucking liquor and bitches flow!”
As she threw up her hands in celebration, most of the group seemed overjoyed at the prospect of not needing to worry about their expenditures on the trip. Like clockwork, attendants on the boat began bringing out champagne and other beverages to the excited group. Maggie, who had been sitting on Dan’s lap, sprang from her perch to jab at Anaar.
“I know we don’t usually drink, but everyone else is doing it, and we are in the freaking Maldives for god’s sake. Maybe we should let loose and join the fun!”
Grabbing her so he had her ear, “You know it isn’t going to do anything to me anyway. It just seems like a waste.”
Whispering back in turn, “All the more reason to partake! You don’t need to drink enough to get sloppy like we know some people will.” She eyes Phavian, who gives her an offended but knowing smile. “Just enough so that no one bothers us about being party poopers! Also, I’m pretty sure Codi will try to electrocute you to death if you deny her hospitality.”
“Well luckily for me I don’t think she will be very successful…”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Maggie bounds back off, flopping into Dan’s lap as everyone grabs the drinks that are served to them.
“I believe you should listen to Ms. Osorio’s advice. The purpose of this adventure is enjoyment correct?”
To Anaar’s surprise, Hobb seemed intent on being part of the festivities himself, as he appeared in his vision, shirtless in a pair of small trunks, lounging on some sort of bamboo chair, sipping what looked to be a cocktail.
Why are you dressed like that?
“Are we not on vacation? Just because you are painfully overdressed for the occasion does not mean I must conform to the same standards.”
Why do I get the feeling you are tapping into my senses to enjoy this?
“That is because you have become aware of my intentions. I have volumes of data about places, but nothing that could compare to the direct sensory information available from you. I quite enjoy your excursions. Even though I protect the campus, I had never been able to understand it from the lens of those I protect before you.”
Glad I can be your pseudo-body then?
“Perhaps you should inhibit your constitution so that I may experience drunkenness!”
Yeah no. Enjoy your fake cocktail Hobb.
Disregarding additional pleas from Hobb, Anaar tuned back into the merriment of everyone on the boat. Jesus had already downed three glasses to Codi’s delight. Anaar was in no way surprised as the two could not be more similar in their personalities. In some ways he wondered if Codi and Jesus were simply the same person split into two sexes.
From somewhere, there was music that had begun playing, which made a number of people begin dancing to the beat. Though she was drinking, it seemed Ripp had no interest in the dancing and general tomfoolery that was happening about the about the boat. Before they knew it, Codi was grinding quite suggestively on Pryshka as she laid out on the deck and was pouring drinks into her mouth. As much as he tried to resist, Phavian’s overwhelming strength was far too much for him, and Anaar was swept onto his feet to join the romping. People were most surprised that the usually innocent and shy Maggie had no problem with the heavy affection from Dan as she was in a swimsuit top and tiny shorts.
So engaged in their activities, the beauty of the environment and the boat ride was lost upon many of them. They were also making quite a racket, so as they passed closer to some other islands that were inhabited with other tourists, they received a number of stares, as people pointed and gawked, some disapprovingly, though many others envious and wanting to join in the fun. By the time the boat had made a small circuit, most people were ready for their meal, since mostly everyone wanted to eat before they proceeded to drinking heavily.
Before leaving, Codi had spoken to the resort, letting them know that they would like to do a grand, banquet style feast for their first night, and given them her credit card so that they could charge anything that they needed to make it happen. Holding true to the request, when they arrived back at their own island, there were a number of tables, laden with many unique looking dishes, as well as a fair number of things commonly seen in America. Due to their environment, most of the dishes themselves were not items they had never encountered, as Sophangence prided itself on its diversity in all facets, especially food, enough so that it took three separate floors to accommodate daily offerings.
Realizing that Codi had already taken her seat, Phavian let Anaar know that it was time for him to work, as he was aware keeping Codi in check was a full-time job. Nodding, Anaar decided he would also be responsible, slipping into a seat next to Jesus, jovially slinging his arm around his shoulders while pinching the side of his neck quite savagely, an obvious warning to what would be in store for him if he decided to make a ruckus.
Sometime during the feast, Ryn had become aware of a fragrant dish of meat and rice that she simply could not get enough of. As not to waste, the food was not being constantly replenished, something that no one was accustomed to due to Sophangence’s flowing buffet style offerings. In her partially inebriated state, she had decided to claim dominion over the dish, grabbing it, and placing a barrier around herself to keep anyone else from claiming any of the delicious morsels. When Codi realized she could not have any more of the food herself due to it being held captive by Ryn, she began sending arcs of electricity at the barrier in an attempt to reclaim the dish mainly for herself, though her explanation to others when they yelled at her for blasting Ryn’s barrier was that it was for the good of everyone.
Slightly slurring, “Don’t you fuck with me Freshie! I’m number 4 in my class! That little shield won’t do shit!”
Formulating a large ball of crackling electrical energy, something they had never seen her do, as it would take an immense amount of skill and control to pull off, she lobs it at the barrier, missing by a mile, and instead hitting an unsuspecting Dan. Shaking and convulsing he slumps over to the side as Maggie catches him from falling out of his chair.
“Phavian! What are you doing?! You are supposed to be keeping her under control!”
Phavian, whose face was buried in a plate of food, looks up apologetically, juice
s and food stuck to his face as he smiles.
“Phave can’t do shit! He can’t keep me down! The only thing he is going down on is Anaar!” Glancing in Anaar’s direction, Codi sends a bolt at him that either did not faze him, or somehow missed as everyone seemed to see it disappear. “Phave’s boytoy! Blow that fucking barrier up! Come on! I know you want some of what she’s got too! Pole is droll!” Finding she was quite pleased with that statement, she began repeating it over and over until Phavian rapped her over the head to everyone’s delight.
While all this was going on, the communication that allowed for passing of dishes around the table broke down, causing discord amongst the group as they could not gain access to their favorite dishes. The only person that was exempt from this was Ripp, as she simply opened a portal to the dish she wanted, grabbing her food then returned back to what she was doing. As possibly the only other somewhat sober person in the group, since Maggie had fully embraced the island intoxication, Anaar took to having a conversation with Ripp.
“You hold your liquor surprisingly well.”
“For what? A woman?”
“No, it isn’t about that. Even though you are partaking in as much as everyone else at once, you haven’t slowed down either, yet you seem completely normal.”
“I could say the same for you meathead. You have just as much of a stick up your ass as you normally do.”
Shrugging, “Someone has to be an adult.”
“You are not required to fulfill this role.”
Hobb go away and drink your fake alcohol.
“So is that it? You are going to be the police that keeps everyone in line?”
“I just don’t want there to be an international incident involving some of America’s brightest prospects. We are all Quintessences, and we have a devastating range of powers at our disposal. The last thing we need is to get into some situation that we can’t resolve.”
“Is that why you are having birthday parties at the Headmistress’ home like you are some kind of VIP? You are some special school enforcer?”
Divulgence (Song of Sophangence Book 2) Page 42