Legends of Mirandis Academy

Chapter 20: In Exchange

The bell rang, signifying the end of second period. Duran didn't even notice the class was nearing its end, yet all his classmates were already out the door, eager to start the first break of the day. He quickly scrawled some notes about the homework that was just assigned, shoved everything into his backpack, and waved Mr. Saphiro goodbye.

Luna walked straight into him as he left the classroom, nearly knocking herself over in the process.

"Oh! Luna, sorry I didn't see you. Are you okay?" He held out his arms to steady his small friend.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." Luna waved the question away. She leaned in, her voice serious. "We have a mission, Duran."

"A mission?" A mission! That sounded fun. Hopefully he'd be able to help more this time, since he wasn't very useful during the power outage at the church.

Luna had seemed subdued after the night at the church, after Duran's discovery of the pin. But she looked extra happy today. Her uniform was unkempt and her eyes were a bit red and slightly unfocused, but that was normal. Duran was glad to see a mischievous smile tug at her cheeks. She continued, "Yes, a mission. Word on the street says a new student just transferred in. Do you know what this means?"

Duran stared at her for a moment. "That... he missed a month of school?"

"Yes," said Luna cunningly, "that's where my thoughts are exactly. Who transfers schools in the beginning of October? It's such an awkward time to do so. Plus, they would—"

"What on Earth are you two doing huddled against the wall?"

Luna quickly turned to see Brielle standing beside them in the hallway. Brielle's arms were crossed, and there was an impatient little crease in her brow. Duran gulped, afraid that they were in trouble.

Luna, too, appeared perturbed. "We've been exposed! This could jeopardize the mission!"

Brielle frowned, confused. "The mission? What are yoahh—!"

Duran was also startled as Luna pulled them both, with surprising strength, through the hall and outside the building. She led them to the back of the school, checking to see if any other students were around.

"Coast is clear." She turned to Brielle again, who looked rather annoyed. "All right Prescott, you know too much."

"I have literally no idea what you—"

"And so, we either have to kill you, or you could join the mission. Duran, thoughts?"

Nibbles squeaked in his pocket. "No, no," Duran told his mouse, "I don't think we need to kill her."

"Perfect!" Luna exclaimed. "A three man team. I like it."

"This is absolutely ridiculous." Brielle looked like she wanted to debate, but then she bit her lip. "Am I allowed to know the mission now?"

"There's a new student," Duran chimed in, wanting to be helpful. Then he turned to Luna because he didn't actually know any further.

"We need to investigate!" said Luna excitedly. "Who are they? What's their past? Do they want to join drama club? Are they cool, or are they another snarky academic loser? No offense, Ms. Prescott."

Brielle arched an eyebrow. "You know, sometimes I think we're becoming more like friends, but then you always manage to remind me why you're une blaireau. Pardon my French." Duran didn't know what a blare-oh was, but she didn't have much malice in her voice so he figured it wasn't too bad.

Luna continued. "You're not seeing the point! New student, new meat on the chopping block. Could be friend, foe, stagehand. We always need people to work the spotlight, you know."