Afterschoolers: Destiny

Chapter 2: Reason

The next day came like a breath of fresh air. Jack arrived to the bus stop, anticipating the mission briefing. Amber, as usual, was already there with a book in her hand. Zander made it a big deal to arrive early so he wouldn't worry about being late.

"Why are we here so early?," said Jack upon arrival.

"I was just about to ask that," Amber added.

"Okay, listen up," Zander started. "Our target is a shapeshifter. Changing his face to blend into crowds. Just the sheer fact that he has an Aura Crystal is enough for us to move in, but that's not all. Our target has been using his power to steal other crystals. What he plans to do with it is beyond me. I'd rather take this guy down and worry about his plans later."

"That doesn't explain why we're taking the city bus?" said Amber.

"My research tells me that he is attending a prep school not too far from here. This bus will take us close enough for a light walk to the school. Once we're there we scout. Confront. Get any and all crystals. And be home in time for dinner."

"Sounds like a plan," Jack said as the bus approached.

Together the three friends traveled North for an hour with minimal stops along the way. Upon reaching their destination, they were met with a prestigious and gated school across the street.

"Burr Academy, huh?" said Jack. "Seems fancy."

"It is," Zander answered. "Some of the brightest young minds come here."

"So, people smarter than Jack," Amber joked.

"Hey!"

"I'm kidding! Let's just find me a place to rest and I'll scout out the area."

"Follow me." Zander led his friends to a nearby coffee shop. Amber happily relaxed on the couch while Jack purchased some refreshments. Releasing her spirit, she flew over the school walls and surveyed the area.

The academy was built on a small plot of land with a large mansion like structure sitting in the middle. The few students mingling outside were all wearing formal green school uniforms with a lion head for an emblem. Needing a more thorough search, Amber possessed the body of one of the female students that was out in the garden.

Finally with feet on the ground, she entered the school. To Amber's surprise, it looked more like an old school mansion than it did a school. The walls were a polished wood and it was very spacious in the main halls.

"Well, only one way to find him." Amber exited her host's body and flew to the center of the school's lobby. None of the students below could see her. As fast as she could, Amber flew through student after student. The students she passed through did not feel a thing, let alone felt her presence. She flew down hallway and continued her passive search until she hit something.

"W-What?!" a short young man said.

"Y-You can see me?!" Amber said.

"Y-Yeah, who are you? Are you a ghost?"

"Ummm... Yeah! I need you to come with me so that I can explain how I died."

"Wait, how can I see you, but no one else can?" he asked.

"You must be very special. Do you have any lucky charm or anything that you think gives you power?"

"Well... I have this gemstone. Maybe that's how I can see you."

"Ah, okay. Cool. I need you to come with me."

"Oh! Am I gonna solve the mystery on how you died? So that you could pass on to the afterlife peacefully?" the young man asked.