Guardians of Magic

IX. Stuck!

“Will you please stop doing that?” Brianna begged Alden.

He’s sitting next to her but he’s obviously itching to go outside. During the short period that she’s with him, Brianna learned that Alden is a person that easily gets bored. Unfortunately, things didn’t go well with him today. They are currently in the Headmaster’s office waiting for his arrival. She was called for a short meeting and Mistress Luciana strictly said to bring her assigned hybrid.

“This is just the most boring office I’ve ever seen in my entire life!” he complains which makes Brianna roll her eyes.

“Alden, you’ve said that a thousand times already.” She hushed him.

“Well, this probably excels from the list of my least favorite places.”

Brianna shakes her head and refused to entertain him further. Their practical exam starts this week but this day is intended for their orientation. Hours from now, they will gather around the open field. This meeting makes Brianna wonder what the Headmaster wants from them. Alden now, out of boredom, did continuous head bang but immediately straighten his seat when the door opens.

“Oh, Brianna!” The Headmaster greeted with glee. “I’m sorry I am late.”

“Very late,” Alden mumbles to himself. Brianna purposely step on his foot and saw his eyes widen. The Headmaster didn’t notice this scene though and continue to walk towards his table. He sat facing them and smiled.

“So,” he began. “How are you kids doing lately?” he asked casually.

Headmaster Argo, Brianna thought, is the jolliest headmaster yet that graced their academy. She previously had a very weird headmaster during her Starter years and an old and very frail one during her Juniors. Headmaster Argo looks very young despite the fact that he’s already in his mid-50s. Well, the only flaw that Brianna could think of is the eye-glasses hanged on his crooked nose. She cleared her throat before answering.

“Well, we’re doing good.” She answered and shoots a meaningful look at Alden. The latter picked up the message and fake a smile. He faces the Headmaster and nodded several times. “Thank you, Headmaster for asking and for inviting us here in your office.” Brianna added courteously.

“Very well!” the Headmaster’s eyes brighten, seemingly oblivious on their drama. “Now, the reason why I called both of you here is to ask you about the set-up.” He informs.

“What set up, Sir?” she inquired politely.

“As you may know, your practical exam officially starts this week. And it has been years that we are following this set up, that apprentices are paired.” Brianna wanted to interrupt but the Headmaster continues. “Meaning, a shapeshifter apprentice with his or her hybrid will be paired to an elemental apprentice, also with his or her hybrid. That way, we’ll maintain the balance.” the Headmaster paused, obviously giving her time to ask. But Brianna seemed lost at the moment.

“But…Headmaster…” she stuttered.  A lot of questions are running in her head but she doesn’t know what to ask first. She doesn’t even know how she will be categorized. She has no power. And Alden is neither a wizard nor a wolf.

“Your professors are done pairing the apprentices already. And since you and Alden’s team is a special case, we’ve decided to allow you to choose a group to join with.” the headmaster further informed when he noticed that there isn’t any word she can add to complete her question.

“We can go on our own.” Alden said matter-of-factly. That was the first time that he butts in with the conversation and Brianna isn’t glad about the act. She mouthed a ‘Shut Up!’ in his direction.