10.4 - The Final Exams and School trip

Silica

During our senior year, we took a trip to Tokyo for a tour around the city. This trip was meant to prepare us for the outside world and broaden our horizons. Living in a small town like Twin Valley tends to limit our perspectives, so this trip was all about showing us what's out there.

I waited in the grand hall, as we always did, for our group to gather. Mackenzie, Kendra, and myself. "Kendra's running late," I commented.

"We all went to bed at the same time. Maybe they're talking in the tent," Mackenzie suggested.

"Silica, can you come here for a minute?" Anna called out.

I went to assist her, but when I returned, Mackenzie was gone. I had only been gone for five minutes. I wondered where he went. I waited for about ten minutes, but he didn't show up. Kendra, that sneaky cat, must have taken him and run off. Ah, let her have him for one night.

Now it was just us girls hanging out. Anna, Tina, Haruka, Sara, Rino, Yumi, and Yuki-sensei. They filled me in on the camp trip into the mountains. We had done that trip last year as well. They told me all about how Mackenzie had used magic to start the first fire and even killed a wild boar, all within the first hour. It was unbelievable that he had gained magic less than four months ago. Yuki-sensei had started drinking again. She was doing this more and more often. She claimed that she didn't get hangovers in the other world. So, she started going overboard after doing research.

"Hic! Listen up, ladies. Let's hear some gossip," she slurred. "When I was your age, I was chasing all types of boys. Come-" Hic! "On Midori, you go first. All the boys are going after you. You must have a boyfriend or two," Yuki-sensei hiccupped.

"Yuki, please call me Silica here, and slow down on the booze," I sighed. "I don't like anyone. Boys are just so predictable."

"Sister, you said you liked Mackenzie just a few weeks ago," Tina chimed in.

"Tina, I told you that in secret! Shh!" I whispered. When did she turn on me?

"Ahh, you like Mackenzie, huh?" Yuki-sensei hiccupped. "Didn't see that coming. I bet Kendra is going to be mad if she finds out. “Ooo, what's the deal with Kendra and Mackenzie anyway? Are they actually dating?"

Wow, great question, Yuki. That's exactly what I want to know! No one had an answer. Yumi cut in, "Umm, back in middle school, I remember there was a rumor that they were dating, but it was never confirmed. I'm not sure if it's happening or not."

"Come on, Yumi dear. What about you? Who do you like?" Yuki-sensei asked.

"I don't like anyone. I just want to focus on school and get into university," Yumi replied.

"Well then, who is your type then?" Yuki-sensei persisted.

"Hmm... probably someone like Mackenzie. He's one of the only boys who talk to me, I guess," Yumi answered.

I don't think that's true. Anna said to me one time she caught her staring at her when she was changing. She might be one of those lesbians. I thought to myself.

"How about you, Haruka?" Yuki-sensei turned to Haruka.

"What? I don't know," Haruka replied.

"Come on, it's just us girls here. You can tell us," Yuki-sensei encouraged.

"I guess it must be Mackenzie. He's not like the other boys. He treats everyone equally and is nice to everyone," Haruka admitted.

"Good, good. Lots of girls crushing on Mackenzie. Rino, what about you?" Yuki-sensei continued.

"Hummp! Boys are stupid. All they look at are boobs and butts. They're all clingy. but If I had to choose, it would be Soro. The quiet type is the most reliable, after all," Rino grumbled.

"Huh, Sora. Didn't see that one coming. Haha, hic! What about you, Sara?" Yuki-sensei asked.

"Umm, I guess it would be Mackenzie. He's really changed in the past four months, and as Haruka said, he's really nice and reliable," Sara answered.

"Anna?" Yuki-sensei turned to Anna.

"Uhh, I hate when you do these things, Yuki-sensei, but I guess I would go with Luke. A man is supposed to be strong and dependable after all" Anna replied.

"Luke, huh? He's quite a looker, isn't he? Haha," Yuki-sensei chuckled. "Tina dear, how about you? Any boys you're into?"

"I've been asked out many times since school started and said no to all of them. I would say Mackenzie, but he doesn't look strong or interesting, and Sis is going for him. So I guess my type would be someone who is strong, good-looking, and makes me laugh. a hard combo to find"

"How about you, Yuki-sensei? Any teachers rocking your boat?" I asked.

Yuki slumped down onto the table. "No, I've been to many mixers, but all the dudes arent smart or have something wrong with them. I'm never going to find a good man. Hic!" Mrs. Yuki must be trying hard to find a man, I feel bad for her.

***

Just us girls went downtown to get some food, and I found myself in the guild hall before going to the restaurant to check things before going out.

"Hi Nana, did Mackenzie and Kendra come to grab a quest?" I inquired.

"Huh, Silica, what are you doing here? I thought you went with Mackenzie and Kendra! I gave them a Silver rank quest, thinking you were tagging along," Nana replied.

"A Silver Quest? What, I haven't done one of those yet!"

"Since you are ready for your promotion, I thought it would be okay to give your group a little more of a challenge since there aren't many Bronze quests," Nana explained.

"What quest did they take?"

"Satyrs and imps. They are bronze creatures, but they can be ranked up to silver if they go too deep."

Damn that Kendra, taking my first Silver quest with Mackenzie. Damn you. I will get my revenge on you soon. I was pissed all dinner, as just us girls talked.

We got back to the house, and I eagerly waited for those two to return. "Ahaaa! You have returned, you silver quest stealers!" I exclaimed, standing up and pushing my chest forward.

"Sorry, Silica. We got offered a quest, and we took it," Mackenzie apologized, bowing.

Kendra, on the other hand, ignored me and stood up straight. "Sorry, Silica, but we didn't need you for a Silver rank. Mackenzie and I did it easily," she said, grabbing his arm. "Look at our reward! It's a Faun's charm. It adds resistance to charm and temptation. Kenzie and I are going to sew it onto our clothes for mental protection and as a mento." Kendra called out to Rino across the room, "Hey, Rino, can you sew these onto our armor?" She had a big smile of victory on her face.

Damn, this girl. She's trickier than I thought, boosting his resistance to my charm magic. I guess I have to use my natural talents to win this battle! "Ah, Kenzie, look over here," I said, grabbing his other arm and squeezing it hard against my superior chest. But Kendra just pulled harder.

"Hey, Silica, Kendra, save the rest for the other girls, will ya? Haha," Yuki-sensei called out, interrupting us.

What did I just call Mackenzie? "Kenzie" for the first time. Is that allowed? Oh well, Kenzie it is now. Bring it, Kendra. I'm not going to lose to you!