Paradoxical Convergence (Book 1)

Chapter 6: A Club?

Chapter 6: A Club?

It had been a few days since Cecile had first begun training with his new weapons. His muscles still ached from the relentless practice with Aria—learning how to wield the silver balisong with precision, handling the weight and recoil of the Colt .45 revolver. But there was a small sense of satisfaction in his chest. He wasn't yet a master, but the weapons were starting to feel like extensions of his hands. Each session made the supernatural threats that loomed over Luna City seem slightly less terrifying. He was making progress.

Today, however, seemed strangely normal. The late-morning heat had settled over St. Benedict Academy, and the chatter of students filled the stone hallways. The school's grand architecture—a blend of old Spanish colonial design with modern touches—gave it an air of prestige that always felt slightly at odds with the gossip and urban legends that swirled through the student body. Cecile moved through the crowds, trying to enjoy the temporary peace. He had just finished taking notes in his literature class when his phone vibrated in his pocket.

It was a message from Aria.

Meet me in the courtyard. We're starting a club.

Cecile frowned, rereading the message. A club? He gathered his things, gave a nod to Jonathan—who was, unsurprisingly, deep in conversation about some new Luna City legend—before slipping out of class and making his way to the courtyard. The sun cast long, lazy shadows across the cobblestone pathways as students milled about, some studying under the trees, others chatting near the school's signature fountain—a relic of the academy's Spanish roots, said to be haunted by the ghost of a former headmistress.

Cecile spotted Aria leaning casually against one of the trees, her snow-white hair catching the sunlight like a beacon. Her uniform was as impeccably neat as ever, but her expression held a rare, mischievous glint.

"You're late," she said, her voice deadpan but with a teasing edge.

Cecile rolled his eyes, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I was in class. You can't just drop 'we're starting a club' on me without any context. What's this about?"

Aria straightened up and began walking without answering, motioning for Cecile to follow. "We're starting a club," she repeated. "A Helpers Club."

"Helpers Club?" Cecile raised an eyebrow, keeping pace beside her as they passed a group of students lounging by the fountain. "That's the best name you could come up with? Sounds like we're running a janitorial squad or something."

Aria smirked, not missing a beat. "You have a better idea?"

"Well, I don't know—something a little less... elementary school field trip, maybe?"

Her smirk widened slightly, though her eyes remained fixed ahead. "It's not about the name. It's about the cover."

Cecile's curiosity piqued. "Cover for what, exactly?"

Aria paused at the base of the fountain, turning to face him. "For our real work. The club will act as our front—an official school organization that students can come to for help with... unusual problems. Strange rumors. Supernatural encounters."

Cecile blinked. "Wait... so you want us to sit around and wait for students to come to us with their ghost stories?"

"Yes," Aria replied without hesitation, her voice as matter-of-fact as ever.

He stared at her. "That's your big plan?"

"Do you have a better one?" Aria's dry tone made it clear she wasn't really asking. She began walking again. "Think about it. We can't just go around asking people if they've encountered anything supernatural. That would raise too many questions. But if we start a club that offers help with... odd problems—whether it's misplaced items, creepy rumors, or actual supernatural occurrences—people will come to us on their own. And we'll get leads without drawing unnecessary attention."