Other Side of Him

The class ended, since the students were at an introductory level; classes were kept at a minimum of one for easier comprehension. They started to leave for home. Each student had their own dorm room, and it was located in another building separate from the school. After Scarlet’s most recent magical performance, she remained in her seat as she looked at her hands in wonder, still mesmerized. It was her first time using magic and the excitement surged through her body. Pim’s eyes lit up as he watched Scarlet. His mood was a mirror of her own as he made some happy sounds.

I was so scared at first about this new school, but it seems like I can do this.

Kina noticed this and muttered under her breath, “You just did one spell, and you think you’re something.”

Kina then gathered her belongings, placing her bag behind her back and left.

Pim snorted at her. Scarlet watched as Kina slammed the door close.

I wonder why she is so mean to me.

As the students left, they dropped off their memory books into the metal steel box. This was the same box that Theo was talking about. Scarlet opened her book to review what she had jotted down. She did not write much down.

Day 1

I got ready for school, I didn't have time to eat today.
I was surprised I could do some magic.

The steel box had a loose flapper in the front that swung noisily. It was filled to the brim with books.

Scarlet tapped her communicator piece.

"Theo?"

She tapped on it a couple times. Still no response.

Theo at the other end was in his elegant room. The walls had large, long windows and abstract paintings. The piece they communicated with was sitting on his table next to the stack of paper files.

On the carpet floor, there were broken glass pieces scattered all over. The pen ink bottles were spilled, wet, soaking into the carpet.

He had placed his hands on his head, and started throwing himself against the wall.

"I don't want to hurt anyone. You can't control me."

He pressed his head onto the window in his room and looked at his reflection.
The outer appearance looked like him, but the face looked off. It was menacing.

A sinister voice in his head spoke, "You are me. We're the same, why do you keep running away? You want to protect that girl? Don't make me laugh. I have other plans for her." The voice laughed uncontrollably before disappearing.

Seeing that Theo was not responding, she dropped her book into the box. She then decided to head to her dorm room instead. She can continue to contact Theo there.

Her name appeared over her room. She observed what the other students were doing and followed suit. She touched the door with her right hand.

Click Click

The door was immediately unlocked.

It was simple, there was a small bed with gray sheets, bathroom and a tiny kitchen.
She placed her schoolbag on the table.

She sat in the corner of her bed and pondered. Pim came out from inside of her bag to snuggle her feet. His small hooves were playfully batting the ribbon on her uniform.

"Aww Pim's so silly."

She patted Pim’s head and back.

I wonder why Theo sometimes is cold to me and other times he can be so warm and gentle. I miss Theo.

She remembered his smiling face when they spent their time together in her old world.

Knock Knock

She was startled by the knocking on her door. A small note slipped underneath the small slit of the door and into her room.

She picked up the paper and read, “Meet me at the drink stop tonight. Tell them you have a reservation. Signed T. "

She cracked open her door to peek outside, but she did not see anyone.

Does T mean Theo? Why isn't he using his earpiece?

Scarlet was uneasy, but she chose to go along with it anyway. She could not pass up on the chance to see Theo.

When nightfall came, the paper lanterns of the town glowed orange. Scarlet pulled out the compass and it dragged her to what seemed to be the restaurant.

It was hustling and bustling, popular among the townsfolk. The smell of grilled meats and alcohol were around. Loud cheering while clanking on beer mugs from one table. There were also sections of the restaurants separated for families. In other areas, there were crowds of people who were the same age as her gossiping with one another.

The owner of the restaurant went over to welcome her. She politely bowed.

"What can I do for you, young lady?"

"I have a reservation with T."

The owner's expression dropped quickly. His face was full of fear. He was trying not to shake.

"F-follow me, mm-miss."

She noticed his stuttering and was wondering why.

She followed him to a different part of the restaurant.
It was secluded, far away from the previous noisy area.

The owner bowed. "Enjoy your stay, Miss." He then scurried away as fast as he could.

Scarlet lifted the ruffled curtain above her head.

She saw a cloaked figure wearing a hood sitting in the booth.

She moved closer. "Theo?"

She noticed he did not seem like himself

He turned to face her. He pulled the hood off.

She examined his face closely, he looked like Theo.

He laughed, "Are you confused by something? Have a seat, Scarlet."

It's strange… he looks like Theo, but there’s something about him that feels otherwise.

"You must be tired from your first day of school." He started to pour her a drink from the bottle. The glass was transparent; she could see the green liquid swishing around.

The green liquid was bubbling in her glass. The fizz was rising to the surface.
She hesitantly brought the glass to her nose to smell it. There was a hint of apple, cinnamon, and of an unknown ingredient.

She had an uncertain look on her face and left the drink on the table.

I’m not sure if I want to drink that.

"It's not poisonous if you're thinking that. It does have sap from a mourning tree." Theo assured her.

He poured a glass for himself and drank it blissfully.

"See?"

In an effort to please him, she took a small sip, gripping the glass to tilt over to her lips.
It tasted tangy and the bitterness came from the tree sap.

"That wasn't so bad now, was it?"

He slowly took her hand and hooked his with hers.
"You know, I haven't forgotten that day. The day we met."

Scarlet blushed a little recalling when she initiated her promise.

"I have a favor for you. I'd like you to not go to that school anymore and go home."

Scarlet stared at her glass and looked up.
"It's unusual for me to say even though you have Theo’s face, you're not like him."

He smirked and abruptly stood up.

He pointed at himself. His facial expression changed, "I am Theo, the better half of him, I'd say! I’m surprised you can tell I’m not him... I don't need you as much as he does." He stopped to ponder.

"But, I guess keeping you around would be entertaining. Theo isn't who you think he is."

He handed her several tablets in a small drawstring bag.
"Theo made this for you. Use this to disguise yourself as a Cosmocrat when you are in trouble. There is a time limit though."

She took it and put it in the inner pocket of her shirt.

"Where is Theo?" She questioned.

"He's resting, whenever he is knocked out, I take over his body. You can just call me T."

Then a familiar cloaked person who was fighting with Theo in the previous world crouched beside him.

"I'll be leaving Scarlet." He vanished into the darkness, leaving her with unanswered questions.