Eye of The Wyvern

XV

A few days passed since the incident at the beach. There was still no sign of Malachi, but Crystalline finally showed up the day after the beach, fully recovered with crazy stories about how sick she got. Karissa told her what they saw, and Crystalline gave her an unforgettable story that pasted itself to the front of her mind... "A really long time ago, there were these islands that were all bunched together, separated by small rivers that flowed peacefully for easy passage. These islands together were called Banseng. Well, Banseng was the only lands where humans and Magicks lived in peace with one another. Many were romantically involved, or had friends with all.

"One day, human-like creatures were said to have risen from the blackest part of the sea. Greyish skin, almost zombie-like, red or black eyes, and most had horned heads or deformities on their bodies. They were called the Orkman Beasts. Basically, the story goes that the Orkman did not agree with the balance between Magicks and humans, and they wanted all the power to themselves. Jealousy of the Magick Folks' abilities, and the humans' emotions, they decided to attempt overthrowing the entirety of the lands, killing and enslaving many of the people.

"Any half-breeds, half human half magic, were killed on sight. The Wyverns, chained or executed depending on their element. And any Warlock, Witch or Wizard who refused to surrender, were captured and burned alive. The humans were all enslaved, as they had no powers to defend themselves other than their own mite or weaponry. Of course, the Orkmans are all broad, strong, tall, and ruthless killers. I believe, Karissa, what you saw, was an Orkman Beast..."

"Karissa!" Lorelai's voice rang loud in her ears, "Are you alive!?" Karissa blinked hard. "Huh?" She met Lorelai's piercing lazuli eyes, "What happened?" Lorelai smiled, "Nothing, just making sure you're alright. Our break is almost over, too. You were out the whole time!" It had been an entire 25 minutes, but to Karissa, it only felt like 5. Her and Lorelai decided to use their free time to meditate and study behind the Greenhouse. She hadn't realized how much time passed till she was snapped out of it. "What were you so focused on in there, anyway?" Lorelai asked, handing her a snack bar. "I was just thinking about a story I heard," she took the snack, "have you heard of the Orkmans?"

"Oh yeah." Lorelai raised a brow in annoyance, "That's all we've been hearing about in Herbology. For some reason that's something Professor Tethys' copy loves talking about." Professor Tethys. The one professor Karissa hadn't met yet. Though, it was crazy she hadn't, she had the ability to duplicate herself so she could be in more than one place at a time. Her knowledge was so wide-ranged that her copies were able to teach different things; Herbology, History, Music of different kinds, and Art such as painting, sculpting, or the art of Literature. Her ability to duplicate herself helped the sanctuary's students quite a bit due to the lack of teachers, Tethys Saturn was the #1. "So she knows a lot about them, then?" Karissa asked. "Definitely," Lorelai nodded, "there's a small rumor that she may have been a victim of what happened on Banseng. Cause she has a giant scar on the right side of her torso. Kinda on her collarbone and going down the side. She doesn't talk about it, but that's what everyone thinks happened.." Huh.. Karissa shrugged.

Last class rolled in, and this time, Karissa took the long way, wanting to clear her mind before the class began. Her mind had always been all over the place, especially since leaving South Town, and the Orkman situation didn't help her already hectic situation. As she walked, the faint sound of footsteps sounded close behind her's, but she was in a zone, careless to her surroundings, the lack of instinct was immaculate, until the footsteps turned into words. "I was wondering when I'd see you again, shimmer.." That voice.. Karissa whirled around to the male standing behind her. "Malachi!" She cried, "Where have you been!?" Standing in front of her, looking as if he'd never left, Malachi chuckled, his smile a light that brought her immense joy, "I had to go study abroad for a while," he rubbed the back of his neck, "Turns out I'm stronger than I thought, and there aren't any Shadowkissed professors here. I'm sorry nobody told you, Karissa. But sometimes my magic skills tend to be a little personal to me, considering I didn't grow up in a Warlock home.."

"Hey don't worry about it.." she smiled, "I understand. I'm just glad you're not dead or something!" He laughed, "Well I just got back a few minutes ago, wanna stop by my dorm with me so I can drop this bag off? Delta won't mind, I'll back you up." Karissa agreed, and they began the light but not so light trip to the Boys' Dormitory. After the second floor, the stairway for the boys' dorms is different, a side that Karissa hadn't paid much mind to. It had a few unique paintings by the stairwell, and there were fewer doors. Going up the stairs, the walls were a smaller pattern of stone, and the stairs a darker shade.

As they approached his dorm room, the smell of food filled Karissa's nose, "What's what smell?" Malachi sniffed the air, "Must be Tucker. He has some spell that allows him to cook in our dorm. Kind of annoying, but at least he's a decent chef." They entered the dorm, and Tucker had prepared two plates, "Sup, M." He smiled, "Got these plates for you and June. She snuck in to use our shower again." He spotted Karissa, and quickly studied every inch of her with a smirk, "Hey, snow face." She waved, giving an awkward smile.

Malachi set his bag down on the couch, "Think you can keep it warm for me? I promised Delta and Chasm I'd go to last class." Tucker rolled his eyes, "You're such a people pleaser.. but yes, I'll guard it with my life." He looked at Karissa, "Unless your girlfriend wants it." She felt warmth on her flushed cheeks. "Brother.." Malachi sighed, "She's not-.. never mind. You never believe me when I say otherwise.." Tucker snickered and motioned toward Karissa, "You want his food?" She shook her head, "I'm not hungry, but thanks.. and- he's definitely not my boyfriend.. you're weird." He rolled his eyes, "Fine, whatever. But yes, I'll keep the food till you get back. Enjoy boredom, brother." With that he proceeded to take Malachi's bag into a different room.

"I'm sorry about him, again," Malachi sighed, "he's a fucking dimwit." She only chuckled at the unnecessary apology, knowing it'd be no good to tell him not to. "Anyway, we're extremely late... so.." He motioned for the door. "Right!" She dashed out of the room, Malachi close behind. "How pissed do you think Delta is gonna be at us?" The two rounded a corer toward the stairs. "Infinitely, Malachi.." Her voice cracked with a laugh, "She usually doesn't mind, but I mean look at how much sun is coming in through the windows, she's totally going to be pissy!" He heaved into a bent-over laugh. "I can imagine the look!" His laughter was contagious, and she couldn't help but go along with the humor. Malachi truly was the only male that had never made her feel obligated to be a certain way, or say certain things. He was just Malachi, and that was something she'd admire for as long as she would know him, because no other man had ever admired such a thing about her. In her eyes, he was truly, and completely, the most perfect person in her world.