What's His Deal? - Hunter x OC

Chapter Four - Oh Great, You Again

Why can't I stay home alone you may ask? I don't usually go into it. It's complicated. And a complete accident, mind you.

The Emperors Castle. To be completely honest, I was slightly fangirling. I got to see the headquarters of the most powerful coven on the Boiling Isles. Who wouldn't get excited?

I continue walking, getting lost in thought again, and after a while I found myself in front of the Emperors Castle.

It had four towers at each corner, with two upper layers on top, and on top of those layers being one big tower. There were guards swarming the area, all around the canyon that the castle was in.

Woah.

I signal to the guard that I'm supposed to be here, and he extended the bridge to where I was standing.

I crossed the bridge, and greeted the guard.  

"Hello" I say.
"Hi" they respond back.

I walk into the castle. That was awkward. 

As I enter the grand hall of the Emperors Castle, I'm greeted with more guards.

"Um, excuse me, but do you know where Nico Moenia is?" I ask the nearest guard.

"Ah, you're Moenia's kid." The guard said. "I'm Steve. Your dad said that you can stay in the Emperors library until he's finished with his shift."

"Ok, I'm Ro." I shake his hand. "Now... where is the library exactly?"

"Oh, shoot, right." Steve said. "I'll show you where it is."

While we walked down a corridor, Steve tried to make conversation.

"So, what coven do you want to join when you graduate?" He asked.
"Well, I want to join the Emperors Coven, but if I don't end up making it I want to join Illusions."
"Ah. Yes. The Emperors Coven is... good."

Awkward silence for a couple of seconds.

"We both aren't that great at conversation are we?" I laugh.

"Yeah, yeah we aren't." Steve laugh-sighs.

We reached a pair of doors, and we stop in front of them.

"Here we are, the Emperors library." Steve declares with an exaggerated bow. "Enjoy."

I laugh. "Nice meeting you Steve, and thanks."

"Of course, don't be a stranger Rosalinda." Steve waves, and walks away.

I stood there. How'd he know my full name?

I entered the library, and then stopped in my tracks.

It was beautiful. Endless rows of shelves filled the room, with books lining the shelves in neat stacks. I could smell the aged pages within the books. I was in paradise.

I settled down at a table, and started to work on various homework assignments. I didn't have much, just analyzing a piece of music for Bard, and drawing a diagram of the anatomy of a griffin for Beast Keeping.

After I finished, I decided to go find a book to read. I'm in the best library on the Boiling Isles, I will abuse it.

I briefly scan the book titles on shelves, and one title caught my eye. From Bones to Earth: A Study of Wild Magic.

Luz mentioned that the Owl Lady used wild magic, and I know that wild magic is strictly forbidden since you have to join the Emperors Coven in order to use any other kind of magic. 

I reach out to grab the book, and surprised to see another hand reaching out for the same title.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't even notice another person creep up behind me. I really need to stop doing that.

I look up, and see none other than the Golden Guard. 

"You." He hissed.

"You." I grumble.

"What are you doing here?" He whisper-yelled. "Why are you in the Emperors Castle? Why are you reaching for a book about wild magic? State your business!"

"Goldie, if my statements affected you so badly that you are now paranoid about what I could do, then you need to work on yourself."

"You didn't answer me." His toned suddenly shifted to being colder, and more stern. I guess this is what we're dealing with now.

"Ok, ok." I sigh. "1. Because my dad is part of the Emperors Coven, and my mom needed to be somewhere. 2. Why not. 3. I have no business."

"Aren't you old enough to stay home by yourself? Also stop calling me Goldie."

"It's a long story Goldie. I do not want to elaborate. If anyone says anything, no, the fire wasn't my fault."

Goldie let a short snort slip out, and tried to cover it up with a cough.

"Well... I guess that's all valid. Except for the wild magic part. Why are you so interested in it?" He questioned.

"Why are you?" 

He went silent. I sensed something suspicious going on, but I didn't press on. Perhaps he actually has a life past being a stuck-up, unfunny, glorified Steve.

"It's been nice chatting, but I'm probably going to be here for another 3 hours." I grab the book. "So I'm going to take the book and be on my way."

I started to walk away, but Goldie suddenly grabbed my shoulder, and I flinched. 

"I need that book." He faltered. "If you insist on reading it now... may I read it with you?"

I stood there, taken aback, with his hand still on my shoulder. I thought for a little bit, and decided on my answer.

"...Fine." I say, moving his hand away. "However, this does not make us friends. You aren't allowed to talk, or interact at all during this session"

"That's fair." he said. "Shall we go?"

"Lets." I then start to walk over to the table I was sitting at, book in hand.

I'm probably not going to enjoy this.