Rumors and Tension

Swoosh

“Vitrum Reparatione.” Lila says as she waves her friend Haruto to a broken piece of glass.

A teacher and her class see a healthy amount of hope released from her wand. All glass shard particles and pieces twirl in a tiny tornado on the teacher’s desk. Every piece reassembles, leaving no scratches or cracks.

Every student watch in amazement with Lila effortlessly performing her spell. The spell fades away at her command to show the broken pieces of glass forming a small glass flower.

Clap Clap Clap Clap

“Fantastic Lila.” A lizardman teacher says.

“Thank you, sir.” Lila says back.

“You have really improved the past few days, Lila.”

“Well, I found a new friend to help me sir.” A smiling Lila exclaims as she looks at her wand.

“Whoever your friend is, definitely keep them close to you. Thank you, Lila, you may sit.”

Lila does as she’s told. The teacher waves his wand to put away the glass flower once he notices his hourglass run out of sand.

“Okay everyone, class is over. I’ll see everyone tomorrow.”

Every student begins exiting through a conjured doorway from the teacher. As Lila is near the exit, she hears her name.

“Hey Lila, I want to talk to you about something.” The teacher asks.

“Sure, what is it Mr. Akumi?”

“You have dramatically improved in my class the past few days. Especially after that spectacle that happened with you protecting another student. What’s your secret?”

“A very close friend.” Lila smiles while Haruto blushes.

“Let me guess, Taro, right?! The kitsune you saved?”

Lila and Haruto are stunned by the teacher’s response.

“Oh, no sir. He’s a great friend though, but I met another friend before that’s been extremely supportive of me.”

“I see. Listen Lila, there’s a good reason why I kept you here longer. Some words have gotten around that you and Taro are in a relationship and that’s why your hope has exceeded exponentially.”

Lila's face turns into our shock hearing his claims with Haruto eyes wide open as well.

“That’s just a dumb rumor. I’m good friends with him, that’s all. Also, I think he has something for this elf girl I’m friends with too.”

Mr. Akumi hears her claims as he waves his wand to clean up his desk.

“Okay, just be careful of these rumors. Just keep up the good work Lila. You may leave.”

Lila bows.

“Thank you Mr. Akumi.”

Lila and Haruto exit the class through the doorway full of hope. Basking in the warm and comforting feel, they exit on the other side. Looking around they are near the rear of the school, with various students mainly chatting or traveling to their destinations.

Lila and Haruto begin to move towards an open resting area behind the school, catching the eyes of various students. Even looking above, the stone gargoyles quickly glance at her.

“How did she get so much hope that day?” A random harpy asks.

“Maybe it was that boyfriend of hers she had to save.” One centaur responds.

“Whatever it was, let’s not anger her. I heard from my mom that the student she stopped got marked for life.” A male lamia adds.

“You do realize only Overseers are in charge of that right? Anyway, just don’t mess with her boyfriend and you’re safe.” The centaur exclaims.

Lila brushes off the rumors and exits the hall.

From afar, she sees Taro and Mia lying down on the grass. Taro is seen curling into a ball as his tail covers his face. Mia giggles seeing this.

“Hey guys, what are you doing?” Lila says.

“Taro is showing how he likes to relax. He says it can be pretty comfortable for me to use for lowering my stress.” Mia responds.

Attempting the ball curl has Mia bring her legs closer to her torso. Taro immediately sees her attempt and smiles.

“You’ll get the hang of it. I’m telling you though, it works wonders for me.”

Taro gets up and helps Mia to her feet.

“How have you been Taro, you feel better now?” Lila says.

“I’m better now, I can conjure up any spell with my fingertips again. How about you and Stickman?”

Haruto rolls his eyes when heart g his nickname.

“We’re okay. There’s something you guys have to know though.”

“Sure, what is it, Lila?” Mia asks.

“Principal Merlin knows about Haruto.”

Every one of their friends is visibly shocked.

“Uh, what did he say?” Taro wonders.

“He says he’s going to let me keep Haruto, as long as I don’t cause any more trouble for the school.”

Taro and Mia’s demeanor relax.

“Oh good. The last thing we need is if you guys get expelled or if we were in trouble too.”

“No worries, I didn’t mention you two at all. But there is a dumb rumor that a teacher told me.”

“What is it, Lila?” Mia asks.

“Some students believe me and Taro are together and that’s why my hope was massive.”

Taro turns dumbfounded as Mia looks shocked.

“Okay, that’s stupid. I see you guys as great friends and nothing more.”

“Even me Taro?” Mia says.

“Well, no. You’re my bestest friend Mia. I feel relaxed around you, and you’re really cool to teach me about elf culture.”

Mia smiles and lightly blushes when hearing Taro’s response.

“Did you guys know that elves have this type of lotion that can heal damaged animal fur? Mainly it’s for pets but I think this can be made for all kitsune.” Gleefully stated by Taro.

“I do have to thank you Taro for recommending a soft grass bed. If they’re good for getting rid of stress, I’m going to ask my mom to purchase one.”

As they all get along, a few other students run past them for a commotion building up in the building.

Boom

A tremble in the earth is felt by the entire school, making everyone want to find out what’s happening.

“What’s happening?!” Lila yells out.

“Another student has been found using Despair! The stone gargoyles and staff are holding them down!” A random male harpy yells. The quartet of friends begin to rush over to the commotion and inside the main hall of the building, the student’s claims are proven true.

A few of the staff and gargoyles have pinned down a female lamia student. A scorch mark on the ceiling and walls can be seen, being more than 10 ft in diameter. Dean Azrael has her wand put away as he points his own wand towards her.

With no words needed, he emits a blue like mist from his wand, and it knocks out the student.

“Everyone! Go to your dorm rooms immediately! The school will be on lockdown for the remainder of the day!” A furious Azrael yells out.

The crowd begins to disperse, with Lila, Haruto, Taro, and Mia all shocked by another Despair user being subdued.

“What is even going on anymore?” Taro asks.

“I don’t know, but it can’t be good if this many people are using despair now.” Lila adds.

“I’m scared guys.” Mia says.

“Listen Mia, we’re here for each other. Make sure to keep your spirits up, okay?” Taro says to Mia.

“Okay. You’re in the west wing of the dorms, right?” Mia asks.

“Yeah. My door is welcome to you and everyone here. I have a don’t disturb picture on it so you’ll notice it.”

“Cool, I’m in the east wing guys. Room 12. You are all welcome like last time too.” Lila asks as Haruto expresses happily.

“Mines is Room 45 on the East Wing. Please remember everyone.” Mia tells the group.

“No worries, we have each other's backs, okay? Just be safe guys.” Lila exclaims.

The group begins to go to their respective dorm rooms as the school’s staff enhances all the hope of the building. With an uneasy feeling now felt throughout the entire school, everyone waits until the lockdown ends.