Divulgence (Song of Sophangence Book 2)

by E. I. McAllistair

  “How have your missions been going? I know Phave has been jealous you have been going solo. You two were a duo for a while there.”

  Cocking his head to the side as if he were contemplating something, “I miss him. You know Phave, and he can be a complete pain sometimes, but our teamwork and synergy on missions was undeniable.”

  “Does it make that much of a difference when he isn’t there?”

  “Tactically, no. It is actually easier in many ways when he isn’t there.”

  “How so?”

  “I don’t have to hold back or protect him. He isn’t incompetent in any way, but there are things I can do when I’m alone that aren’t feasible when he is there.”

  “Then why the fuck do you want him there?”

  “Missions are kinda our thing. Most couples have something they do together. I started out doing missions with him. It almost seems wrong without him. I did not realize that we had been splitting the money on some of the missions though, so maybe it is better we just stick to separate missions so I’m not taking money from his pocket.”

  “He said that missions with you had exponentially bigger payouts than he was used to though. Way more fucking difficult, but still more money.”

  “That’s true. Phavian sends a lot of his money home. So do I, but I only have my mom to think about. He has far more people he wants to support. Without me at home, my mom doesn’t even really need that money. Even though Phavian is the baby, he can’t say that about his family.”

  “Why don’t you just give him money if you feel that badly about it?”

  Turning to face her with a sour expression, “Did you really just suggest that? I may share his bed, but you are his best friend. You have known him longer than I have. When would there be a situation where Phavian’s pride would allow anyone, especially me to do something that would be perceived as infringing upon his manly duties?”

  “You men and your dicks. Why should it matter if you give it to him? It is just money. Aren’t you supposed to supporting each other? Why make such a big deal about who earned it?”

  “Codi you act like we are married. We’ve been together for all of a few months, and we know how rocky things were for us at the start. I don’t have any illusions that we will be together forever. There are some things that cause such an idea to be an impossibility. It’s not his fault, so I just want to be the best I can for him while it lasts.”

  “I don’t know if I should slap you or shed a tear. I don’t want anyone messing with my Phave, so you toying with his heart like that is asking to get your ass beat. You being such a little flirt, playing the field and not being set to some wimpy playing house makes me so happy though! Why must you always make me be so conflicted?!”

  Sighing with a shrug, “It isn’t my intention, but I am a scientist, which also makes me a realist. Fairy tales have never been my style. I don’t think ‘happily ever after’ is a norm, it is a very rare exception.”

  Though she wanted to respond, rebuffing Anaar’s doomsday attitude, the secretary let them know that it was time. Opening the doors to the office, she escorts the two of them into the large office. Awaiting inside is Ixnes, polished as ever in a very festive bubblegum pink form fitting dress. Sitting on the opposite side of her desk is a child, judging by his dangling feet from the chair, with strikingly blonde hair that looked almost painfully styled. Given that the boy was not only white, but quite pale, it was unlikely that he was one of the Headmistress’ grandchildren. An argument could be made however considering how dapper he was.

  Making their way into the office, the doors being closed behind them, they moved to take seats near the unknown child. Once they were all seated, Codi suddenly became aware that the child was wearing a lavender Vizer. It was rare that the children of faculty or staff had Vizers of their own, and even if they did, they were never color coded like the students on campus. Because it was not the traditional clear that signified a non-student, it could only be left to reason that the child next to them was indeed a student. Because she had never seen him before, it could only mean he was part of this new class which had recently arrived.

  Anaar too had come to the conclusion the person sitting next to them was a man near their own age. Surreptitiously examining him, he found the man was obviously a carrier of the gene that induced Dwarfism. Unlike Codi however, this was the least interesting thing about the man. As he continued to secretly study the man in silence, becoming ever more curious, Ixnes breaks the silence.

  “Thank you for coming so quickly, I do apologize for the delay. There are so many matters to address at this time. I wish I could have spoken to you privately before now, but as I have already mentioned, time has not been permitting. The introduction of a new class in only a year had made for a number of changes and issues that must be addressed.”

  Interrupting the Headmistress, as she had been wondering about this herself, Codi raises her hand for attention and immediately begins speaking. “Why exactly are they here? The new kids I mean.” Looking over at the boy, who she was now thinking might be a man, “No offense to you. New classes are only admitted once every two years. That way there isn’t a situation where there are two Freshman classes. I know that usually once the Seniors leave, everyone just begins thinking of themselves as the next class up, but this is particularly odd. What reason is there that we would break the mold? There are a ton of them too. Anaar’s class was so small, this class seems to be at the 100 student maximum.”

  “All of these are indeed true statements Ms. Aya, but as you have no doubt noticed, things are changing at Sophangence. From the implementation of the revamped school ranking system, to the synchronization of your and Anaar’s class, we are moving to a style that is more conventional. This is to make life here easier for the students. The school year will still be long, and the curriculum will be undergoing changes to make it even more challenging, but there will be more uniformity throughout.”

  “When you say uniformity, you mean everyone will start classes at the same time, rather than being staggered like we have been?”

  “This is one example, but your thoughts are correct. By creating a uniform school year, we should be able to allow more interclass activity. Currently it is sorely lacking.”

  “How exactly will that happen? We are already so disjointed.”

  “Your classes are already synced. The new incoming class and the class below you will have their school years modified so that by the time you graduate Sophangence, all classes will start and stop at the same time.”

  “That still doesn’t solve the problem of needing a new class every two years since our school year is 18 months.”

  “Oh no child, I never said it was my intention to admit students every year. This situation was quite unique in that there were some absolutely magnificent candidates that we could not pass up. Since we had the space and opportunity, we decided to change things around a smidge. Part of what makes this institution so exclusive is the two-year gap in admissions. It also allows thorough evaluation of the thousands of applicants we receive.”

  Jabbing a finger in the direction of the boy, “Well what does this kid have to do with all of us being here?” Standing up, peering at him, “What are you, like twelve? Don’t tell me you are another of these genius assholes that I have to contend with. I already have my hands full with this one.”

  With the attention now shifting from the ornery Codi, to the boy, now to Anaar, he found that his unabashed staring at the boy was now observed by everyone. Realizing that all were now focused on his overt scrutiny of the boy, he clears his throat, looking away as if nothing had happened.

  Ixnes stands from her desk, outstretching her toned arms, which for some reason prompted everyone else who was not already standing to jump to their feet. When the boy jumped down from the chair, it became obvious just how small he was when the already tiny Codi towered over him.

  “Come now, that is no way to treat a fellow student! To answer your question
Ms. Aya, he is the highest scorer on the entrance exam for his class, though he still did not beat our esteemed Anaar’s score. I would like to introduce you to Peter Gilchrist. He is a new student and you two will be his mentors.”

  With both Anaar and Codi doing double takes, Codi was the first to pull the trigger. “Mentor? I’m not even a Senior, technically. Though I guess since the Seniors are gone now my class is the highest ranking class… Either way, I didn’t ask to be a mentor! Also, this kid is an Air Affinity, why does he need two mentors, one who is technically still a Freshman himself, and also a Fire Affinity? None of this makes any sense.”

  Though he had many of the same thoughts, Anaar was happy Codi had thrown herself out front to take the lead. He knew Ixnes did not do things arbitrarily, thus there was no coincidence both he and Codi were chosen to be the mentors for the small man standing before them. If nothing else Codi satisfied that prerequisite of being a Senior of the same attunement. As to why he was also being roped into it, he had his suspicions. To his surprise, events did not play out as he had imagined. Instead of the immense pressure that rolled off Ixnes like a wave when she was exerting her influence, she stayed smiling in the face of the implacable Codi.

  “I will have you know that I am not a child miss, I am very much an adult, though I could not say the same for you. I for one have my own reservations about this arrangement. I was under the impression that mentors were here to assist in the acclimation to this new, very unique environment. From the looks of it, neither you, nor the towering mass of muscles would be fit to be of any help to me.”

  Poking him in the forehead, “Hey, you’d better watch your mouth shorty! If you are our age what are you then, a midget? Even I’m far taller than you. It is funny that you are trying to look down on us as you are simultaneously looking up at us.”

  “Such boorish behavior is unbecoming of a student of this prestigious academy, nevertheless a mentor. I request an immediate reassignment. There is no way that either of these two could keep up with my refined intellect. It would be burdensome to constantly need to explain things to someone who instead should be helping me. At least this one has some personality, the musclebound giant must be mute, since he has said nothing this entire time.”

  Electricity crackling around her bangles, “Don’t you talk shit like you know us! One more word out of you and I’ll-”

  Finally it came, that overwhelming pressure Anaar had expected earlier. Her eyes practically flashing, Peter and Codi both came to a screeching halt as even the least sensitive person could not miss the staggering influence. That was not including the twirling mass of water that without words seemed to threaten anyone who dared to speak again out of turn.

  “Now children, I will not have the brightest minds of the student body behaving so poorly. I would hate to exact punishment upon you. Mr. Gilchrist, you are extremely intelligent, that is certain. You would do well to not underestimate those around you so quickly. Where you may have come from you were without equal, but I assure you both of these two are not only your seniors, but also your betters. Your ability gives you a specific advantage over most people in the realm of academics. Even then it was still not enough to beat either of these two when it came to the entrance exam. Do you understand?”

  Looking up at Ixnes remorsefully, his head barely visible over the desk as it dropped in shame, “Yes ma’am.”

  “Good. As for you two, I suppose Mr. Ingraham’s unorthodox methods have left an impression on me. I figure the two of you together could make one decent mentor for Mr. Gilchrist here. I am sure you both have a bounty in which to offer him. I think that given his particular abilities, he would make for quite an interesting companion for Anaar.”

  “Anaar isn’t even as smart as I am, but I suppose he is alright in a pinch.”

  Filling the office with a piping high pitched laughter, Peter looks at Codi bemused. “Not even you believe that to be true! It seems you are second best to this one?”

  Though Codi’s mouth hangs open in shock, Anaar’s attention is immediately piqued. He had been noticing something unique about the boy, or man it seemed, which was the cause of his constant contemplative staring. He was an Air Affinity, that much was sure, if only he lavender Vizer gave it away. There was even more than met the eye with the strange little man. Speaking for the first time since entering the office, Anaar looks to Ixnes.

  “He has a unique manifestation that you want my help cultivating, similarly to how you assigned Ripp to Stefani, or how I helped Dan. I don’t think he really needs help though, just someone who can understand him if I am reading the situation correctly. Not only that, he is a lesser Synestate. It seems his synesthesia is also unique, he’s like a human lie detector…”

  It was now Peter’s turn to stand gape mouthed as he listened to Anaar’s words, only to receive a knowing smirk from Ixnes. Pushing past Codi, he comes to stand right in front of Anaar, his head barely reaching his waist. Craning his neck upward he peers at Anaar intently.

  “How is it even possible you could know that? I keep that little secret particularly well hidden. Now that you have proven that you are capable of speech, it seems you are indeed much more than meets the eye. Quite a pain in the neck though. Must you be so tall? I suppose if I must endure neck pain to deal with you, the view is at least worth it.”

  “Hey! What about me?!”

  Turning back to look at Codi, “You are a pretty girl, but you are far too… unique for my tastes.”

  “Why you little shit…”

  “Codi, that’s enough. It seems this is how things will be. It would be much easier for everyone if you just accepted it now. Being stubborn or contrary isn’t going to help the situation.”

  “Oh, you are smart. Maybe there is-”

  Bopping him on the head, “And you, don’t be such an asshole. Being smart doesn’t make you superior to anyone, especially when your ability is part of the reason that is possible. You won’t find a more intelligent person than Codi. The two of you need should at least attempt to get along. My name is Anaar Vorpahl. This is Codi Aya. Pleased to meet you Peter. I do hope we can get along.”

  “I thought your name was Arashiko Aya. Who is this Codi person?”

  With the electricity beginning to crackle around her again, Anaar grabs Peter, slinging him over his shoulder. “Codi, just chill. I’ll take care of this. Just add him to you contacts.” Bopping him over the head again to stop his squealing and squirming, “You, remember what I said about not being an asshole? Well it seems we have a lot of work to do. I’m taking you to meet someone. I’ll make sure you have us added to your contacts later.”

  With that he marches out of Ixnes’ office, Peter still slung over his shoulder squirming, though he had stopped the squeals after another bop over the head. Once the two had disappeared, Codi looked back to Ixnes who appeared quite pleased with the exchange that had just occurred.

  “You want me to be a mentor to that hellspawn?!”

  “Oh come now child, you are far more resilient than that. Something so simple is not enough for you to back down from a challenge. For now, it seems our dear Anaar is taking the lead with Peter. Perhaps by the time you get together he will have laid some proper ground rules. That child is special. Do see he gets the support he needs.”

  Growling under her breath, “I suppose…” When she had finally collected herself, she looks to Ixnes before leaving. “Where do you think he is taking the kid?”

  “If I know Anaar, there is only one place they could be headed right now. The excitement in his eyes was barely contained.”

  Cocking her head confused, she decides to not continue her line of questioning, also taking her leave from the Headmistress’ office.

  37

  Once they had gotten far enough away from the Headmistress’ office, Anaar put the squealing Peter down as it was drawing so much attention. After straightening his clothes and checking his hair, he throws a punch to Anaar’s leg that could be likened to a sum
mer breeze tickling someone’s face. Noticing how completely ineffective it was, Peter begins to shout, demanding an explanation for Anaar’s actions.

  “I am not some sack of flour you simply sling over your shoulder and carry away you brute! How dare you! What cause could you have to place me in such an embarrassing situation?!”

  Disregarding the squabbles of the tiny man, Anaar simply mutters, “You’re welcome” then turns to proceed toward his destination.

  Not recognizing he had been fully baited into following of his own accord, Peter scurries to catch up to Anaar’s long strides. Back in step with him, slightly winded from running to catch up, he once again demands answers.

  “That was not an explanation! Why did the Headmistress, one of the most refined and exquisite beings on this planet ever think that you and I would be a good match?! Clearly there must be some sort of mistake! And then that uncouth punk girl…”

  “That ‘uncouth punk girl’ is number 4 in her class, one of the smartest people you will ever have the privilege of meeting, and was seconds from turning you into a crispy critter.”

  Faced with such a glowing review of her capabilities, Peter stops talking for a moment to think about what he was just told. Finally he speaks again, this time in a much more civil manner.

  “How do you know all this? Classes do not mix very often in this school.”

  “She is my boyfriend’s best friend, and a very good friend of mine. Contrary to your belief, we are actually in a course together and have been since I started here. Though what you say is true, it isn’t without exception. I have friends in every class. It isn’t hard, the school just doesn’t hand it to you.”