Athena: The Elements

Episode seven: Complications

^^^^^This chapter reminded me of one of my favorite songs from the talented musical Wicked called Loathing. Enjoy the song while or after you read!

Previously: Caspar White was getting pushed through the crowds of Athena, when he dropped his book. As he tried to retrieve it, he tripped, and knocked a girl into the fountain! Meanwhile, Sky finds her dorm, R214, and begins unpacking, waiting eagerly for her room mate to arrive.

Ash POV

I tumbled backward, the force of the person who had struck me sending me flying. I stumbled awkwardly to gain balance, but lost all control. My feet hit the side of the fountain and soon I was colliding with the water, falling back at immense speed. 

The water splashed over the edge and I fell deep into the pool, drenching my clothes. Everything in the world stopped, as heads began to turn and gasps emerged from the crowd.

I tossed my wet hair to the side to face whoever knocked me into the water. I immediately saw a tall guy with bright white hair and a dark silk cape. He turned to me and appeared shocked, as he realized what he did.

After a moment lingered, I felt my face get hot, as he reached his hand out. I first put a hand to my face as I it burned harder in....anger?

That's probably it.

But I reached for his hand, then tore it away. I sat up and crawled out of the fountain, taking my bag for myself. Then, I turned to the guy and shot "Why would you do that?"

"Sorry, I dropped my book and I fell..." he mumbled.

"Nice excuse." I crossed my arms and slung my bag over my shoulder. "I can't believe this..."

"Can I help-" he began, reaching for my jacket that had fallen in the water. I looked up at him sharply, swiftly taking the jacket. 

"No! You got me wet enough already!" I shouted, backing up, grabbing my suitcase handle then storming off.

"I'm sorry, wait!" he tried to say, but I was already walking off far from the fountain, for luckily the crowd parted to let me pass through quickly. 

He gawked, frozen on the spot and disbelief in his eyes. All I felt then was anger within me.

I charged through the building, strait toward an elevator and taking it directly to the fourth floor, to where my dorm would be, all while being soaking wet. 

When finally, I made it up and through the halls, I reached an empty end of the hall where I saw room R214. With a last sigh, I took my key and slid it strait through the key hole. I pushed hard on the door, and let it swing open. 

What I saw was two canopy beds, a dresser, bookshelf, closet and finally bathroom. Light escaped from the balcony door, striking me with awe. 

There she was, sitting alone, a spark of excitement in her eyes when she saw me. A smile appeared on face, as she said "It's you!"

Her blonde hair danced over her shoulders as she hurdled toward me in a hug. But she retreated quickly, as she realized I was obviously dripping with icy water.

"My dear! What happened to you?" she chirped wearily. I stood back for a moment, taking note of the sheepish concern in her eyes. 

"I...um...fell..." I tried to force the words out.

"Into a river?" she said jokingly, skipping off into the bathroom where she grabbed some neatly folded towels. She began opening one and wrapping it around me as I dropped my bag.

"N-no! I...well there was actually-" 

"Oh, don't worry about it! I'll get your bags." she quipped, taking my satchel, suitcase and jacket away in a flash and dropping it cleanly onto the empty bed.

I opened my mouth to say something, but no words escaped. Why was it so hard to talk to this go-lucky blonde?

"Oh!" she squealed. "I organized our closet. it's not very big, but I managed to fit most of my clothes on the left half, you can keep yours on the other." she explained.

I looked at the closet and saw it was definitely big, despite her remarks about it (Ugh, rich kids, am I right?) But I wasn't too keen on sharing it with her...

"No way. I'm keeping my clothes with me thank you very much." I said unsympathetically, swiveling my head around and unloading my lacrosse stick and basketball out of the heavier suitcase. I tossed it beside my nightstand.

She sighed. "No need to be rude."

I turned to face her again, a glint of anger flashing in my eyes, and despite this burning disgust I said in a very well mannered tone "I'm not exactly in a good mood you know, so you can keep that mouth of yours closed."

"I can tell you are not exactly the chipper type already, so no need explaining that." she grunted.

I shot back "And I can tell your the rich kid type who likes getting everything she wants."

She stood up and took a step toward me. "I know we got off on the wrong foot here, and I'm sorry for not making your welcoming as...welcoming as it should have been, but I don't want any trouble, just to make amends and become friends."

I paused, for her poetic and quick apology startled me, and I dropped my jacket on the bed. She smiled and gave me a warm slightly dazed look, holding out her hand for me to shake it.

I stormed out of the room, saying "I don't need any friendship with you."

Preview: Raina finishes packing and the students are summoned to lunch. There she sits with a girl she met, and watches as the girls friend Ash picks a fight with a boy which leads to a battle of the elements!