ACE

Chapter 2

Shocked at the warning, Layla stayed silent for some time. She gave Donyoku a confident smile and said, "thanks for the warning but I don't need it. I mean has anything ever happened to me? No, right. Anyways Nikki didn't rush me home to just talk, Are the preparations done?"

"Um yes, all preparations have been done in the ballroom. We are just waiting for your word to start," Donyoku replied.

"Great, then summon everyone to the ballroom. Me and Nikki are going to change out of our uniforms first," said Layla as she took out a card from her deck.

"Yes mistress. Please excuse me," Donyoku said bowing as she turned to leave.

When Donyoku was gone from the room, Nikki walked up to Layla.

"You know Layla, you should really take her warning under consideration," she said looking her friend in the eyes with seriousness. But Layla did not respond, instead she only averted her gaze. Nikki then sighed and started to walk towards the right staircase. Before walking up the step she said without turning, "It might save your ass," and walked up the stairs, turning the corner to the right.

Layla gripping the lone card in her hand, held it to her lips and uttered, "card trick: teleport." She vanished instantly from the room in mere seconds.

In the ballroom, which was located under the main entrance, the room was decorated with teal and violet banners. Tables were set up around the room, each were filled with snacks, desserts, drinks, and many more. Towards the top of the room was a small balcony, with no type of entrance on, but had a small pedestal with something on it. The item unfortunately was covered with a cloth to conceal it.

As people started to flood the ballroom, the buzzing of loud laughters, cheers and chatting had started up. Many had started to drinks one too many. Nikki was standing in the corner of the ballroom, arms crossed, holding a glass cup in one hand filled with one would call soda. She had changed into a como green tee, shortie shorts, knee high socks with ears, and green combat boots. Having been in the room for around ten minutes, waiting for her friend to show, walked towards one of the many tables around the room. About to get a tempting slice of cake, a card flew through the doors of the room with great strength, and landed on the balcony.

The card made a popping sound, which caused to card to blow into smoke. When it cleared, Layla was found standing in its place. The room instantly quieted, eyes were locked with her.

Seeing everyone had gave full attention Layla said with excitement, "hello everyone, I'm glad you could join today's celebrations! Now I assume many of you have seen or heard the news of last night's robbery, am I correct?" Pausing she saw many nod their heads. Seeing the agreement she looked around her audience. Her gazed then stopped at a pixi cut haired dirty blond woman. Once seeing her, she then walked over to the pedestal, removing the cloth, she picked up a that was hidden underneath. In her hand was a recently stolen blue gem. "Chiffer!" Layla yelled and tossed the gem in the air.

The blond haired woman swiftly ran towards the gem and leaped high in the air and caught the gem safely. Doing a front flip in the air, she landed on her feet gently. She was Chiffer. Chiffer was dressed in a gray sleeveless button up with a yellow tie, black slip ons and navy jeans. However parts of her outfit was covered by a white lab coat.

Layla clapped her hands, "Nice catch there, Chiffer. Now that gem I just tossed, is the one that was stolen. It's with us today, because it holds a dangerous power. But, instead of destroying it, Chiffer will be will be taking the gem to her lab to try the harness it's power."

"What?!" Chiffer yelled puzzled. "My lab is locked off Layla, I can't perform anything without your ERGGGGH." Nikki was standing next to Chiffer pulling her tie towards her. Nikki whispered something into Chiffer's ear. Once Nikki had let go of the tie, Chiffer said, "My apologies for my rudeness, madame. I will harness the gem's power accordingly."

"Wonderful, then with that said let's continue the party," Layla announced with joy.

The room then went back to partying. People started to drink shots no matter their age. Others started to dance in the center of the room. Overall everyone had let loose to the party. When seeing everyone having fun. she leaped down from the balcony, landing on her feet. She walked over to Nikki, who was standing by the drinks.

"Nikki, may you tell me why Chiffer didn't finish her first thought?"

"Who knows," Nikki said placing her glass down and grabbing a shot glass. She then handed towards Layla. "But what I do know is that you need a shot. Take it."

"Nikki, I really don't think that is wise. I mean just cause Shitto said we can doesn't mean you should," Layla said taking the shot glass and placing it back on the table.

"Why not? I mean one shot isn't going to hurt you," Nikki replied pick the shot back up. "If it makes you feel better I'll only do one." She then drank it down in one go and picked back up her glass of soda.

"Whatever Nikki. You can ruin your health for all I.."

"Layla look who just showed up," Nikki said pointing towards the door. Layla turned towards the door to find Ms. Vanagloria had showed up. "I'm gonna kill her." Putting her glass back down, Nikki then touched her necks mark and a pistol appeared in her hand. Layla looking back at Nikki saw, Nikki's face slightly pink.

"Woah woah wait a sec Nikki. I think you're dru.." But Layla couldn't finish, for her friend was already charging at the woman who just walked in. "Ah Nikki..." Layla said disappointed in her friend. She then started to walked over to catch up but stopped when hearing a ringing sound in her ears. "That sounds like it's from the front door... but who would that be?" Layla then pulled a card and uttered the same spell as before then vanished from the room.

Reappearing in the room before the door, Layla walked over to the door and opened it. To her surprise she found the least likely person standing before her, Eric Vince. Recovering from her shock she smiled at him.

"Oh hi there Eric. Is there something you need?" Layla asked kindly.

"Hey Layla, and yes you dropped your assignment on your way out today, in class," he responded.

"Oh why thank you Eric for coming all the way.. Boom!" Layla then turned around to see Nikki shooting at Shitto in rage. Not realizing that the door was still wide open she, turned back to see Eric with a shocked face.

"Was that Nikki shooting a gun at Ms. Vanagloria? We need to call the... Woah!" Eric was then pulled into the manor.