Heart of Gold (Fall of SGE AU)

One Last Chance

 Midas suddenly became a socialite during the rest of his school years, and this change surprised many. It was not unwelcome and he made many fake friends. Friends who only wanted money and fame. 

Midas was one of the higher ranking students, though the teachers were unsure if he was honestly passing his classes or not. Nobody said anything to them, so they didn't say anything themselves.

Dean Humburg was finally dismissed by the School Master and replaced by another person. Midas didn't go to the School for Evil, but he was glad that toad was gone. Whenever they did manage to see each other somehow, he would always have to make a nasty comment.

Rufius was Midas' main friend and people who wanted to be popular tried to befriend him if they couldn't directly talk with Midas at the time. He thought they were genuine, but Midas pointed out their ulterior motives. Rufius decided to give them a chance, only to be disappointed in the end.

"Nobody wants to be my friend," he complained. "I'm not giving those kids anymore of the things I make. They don't deserve it. And when I open my bakery, they aren't allowed. Well, never mind, because that doesn't sound very Good."

Midas shrugged. "I could care less about the majority of these people following me around. They could all rot in Hell. They could care less for me. They just want help with their ranks, and give them all the tricks they need to know."

"That, and money too. Some of the Evergirls are a bit crazy. Didn't one of them jump on you during lunch? I remember how humiliating it was. Uh, just saying, but ever since last year, you haven't been your usual self. First, you were kinda disconnected from everyone and now you're the life of the party. Something up?"

Midas had to admit that time spent in this torture house had awakened something he didn't know he had. The desire to lead, the wish to have power. And most of all, the desire to have more than the things he already had. Nothing was enough now: he needed more comforts and luxuries, and his golden touch didn't seem to be such a bad idea, though it was used sparingly. It helped him feel that he finally had control of his life, and that he wasn't that irresponsible kid back at Gavaldon. The same kid whose actions led to the death of many.

The more he got, he felt that was trying to escape the emptiness, pain, and confusion inside. Of course, the feeling never lasted because he reverted back to the way he felt before, but even that short period of happiness was enough. And that's why he needed it all-- because if he had everything he could ask for, the happiness would last.

He agreed to help Rufius financially with his bakery once school was over. Midas heard that the fourth year involved quests, though he didn't know what those would consist of. He hated the classes more than ever. In his free time, he took to studying about accounting, business and such. It was more useful than swordplay to him at least. He thought the concept of the School was ridiculous. They were so intent on preparing children for fairy tales they neglected academic education. No wonder why the people here are stupid.

Midas tried his best to push thoughts about the war away from his mind, but they always came back in some shape or form. He often had dreams about Wish Fish turning into silvery sharks chasing Midas down the lake and finally killing him, or mermaids clawing at Midas and ripping his internal organs out. The worst dreams, however, were the happy ones. Dreams of Bongo, swimming in the pond by himself away from school and dads and annoying people. Dreams of Rafal being alive, and both of them leaving school to get away from Rhian. Rafal giving up his status as the One to Rhian because he found someone better after all. Someone who wouldn't treat him like Rhian did.

These dreams were the worst because these symbolized the happiness Midas could not have. The happiness that escaped him.

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