Time After Time (Book 1)

Chapter 9

Hope wakes up in the middle of the night when the alarm for the trap goes off. She hurries to the fields with Alaric and Dorian. "You couldn't have put pants on first?" They walk towards the trap, weapons ready when Dorian stops them halfway. "False alarm. It's just a horse." "Must have gotten out of the stables and wandered across the barrier spell." "Except we don't have a white horse." Hope tells him. She gasps as she finally notices the monster. "Wait, wait! Hold your fire!" She quickly shouts as Alaric and Dorian load their weapons. "It's a monster, Hope. It's here to take the artifact." Dorian tells her. "You're not seriously suggesting we kill a unicorn?" She insists. "I'm suggesting we don't give it a pass because it's cute." Dorian looks at her. "Can't we just like..." She glances back at the 'monster'. "Leave it alone? It's trapped, it's not going anywhere. It's harmless." Alaric and Dorian share a look. "Hope's right. As long as we keep it alive, other creatures won't be coming for the urn. So we just stay alarm and let it be." Dorian sighs. "Alright well, I'll be alert back in bed." He says as he turns around and walks back to school. Alaric shakes his head before heading back as well, Hope following closely behind him.

The next morning, Hope wakes up with an itch on her nose. She doesn't know why but today just seemed better for some reason. She gets ready for the day and finds Landon and Rafael sitting in the common room. "Morning handsome, handsome's." She notices a stack of bread on the table and grabs one. "Ooh, sweet sweet carbs." Rafael eyes her weirdly. "Somebody's in a really good mood." Hope shrugs. "Just woke up on the right side of the bed, I guess. Have you guys seen Josie?" She asks them. They both shake their heads as the girls walk in the room. The twins following closely behind. "Morning Rafael." Lizzie greets him. "Hey, how was....your trip?" He asks. "Excellent." "And welcome back Landon." Josie smiles at him. "Didn't you vote me out?" He asks her. "That's all in the past. Now is everyone as excited as I am about tonight?" Lizzie smiles. "What's happening tonight?" Landon asks. "The schools annual talent show. All the factions compete." Hope laughs as she stands and gives Josie a kiss on the cheek. "You know, the witch performance wouldn't be the same without you two." "Thank you." Josie smiles back as the OA system comes on. "If I could have your attention. Last night we were able to capture a monster here on the grounds. We have everything under control, however it is with a heavy heart that I must postpone the talent show. Hopefully, we'll be able to reschedule this unique event at a later date. A much, much later date." Josie and Lizzie look at each other as if they couldn't believe their ears. "Kind of overkill if you ask me." Hope suddenly says. "I told your dad that a unicorn barely counts as a monster." Hope turns back to the guys as Lizzie and Josie stare at each other again. "Hope?" Josie says. "Yes love?" Hope turns back with a smile. "I will be right back. I need to go yell at my dad." Josie bends down to give a quick kiss on the cheek. "Ok, have fun!" Hope smiles as they leave the room.

Lizzie quickly turns back once Josie is far away enough. She whispers to the twins. "Keep an eye on your mom, she's acting weird this morning." They nod as she turns to catch up with Josie. They go to Alaric's office and knock on the door. "Come in!" They open the door and stare at him. "Dearest father. Does this dangerous monster happen to be a magical pony?" Lizzie asks him. Alaric stops reading the book in his hands. "Maybe." They share another look. "Of all the manipulative ploys to-" Lizzie suddenly stops. "With all due respect, I think that this is a matter for the honor council." She smiles. "Well, then bring it up at next month's meeting." Alaric tells her. "Was actually thinking of calling an emergency session. And I think I know how we're gonna vote." Josie says with a smile. Alaric quickly closes the book in his hand and turns around towards them. "You're serious?" He asks. "As a heart attack." He sighs and brings up the PA system again. Lizzie smiles as she walks up to the mic. "Good news, friends. The talent show is going on as previously scheduled." She lets go on the mic button and smiles at Alaric. "Thanks daddy." She says before leaving the room. "Bye dad." Josie waves as she follows. Alaric sighs and sits down in defeat.