Trusted Companion

On Campus

The Academy was huge. No other words could describe its enormous size. Kayla stared up at the towering structure blankly as one thought crossed her mind: Am I really going to live, eat, and go to school here? Ornate stained-glass windows were set into dark limestone walls that were anywhere from 40 to 50 feet tall. Two expansions that went off to the left and right of the main hall were just as tall and just as impressive. French doors much like the ones at home opened up onto singular portico's every couple of feet, allowing for a simple getaway from the everyday stress of school and life. Kayla assumed that to be the dorms where the students lived. The teachers probably lived on the other side or off in their own section. 

Walking in through the huge 12 foot doors made of a blackened wood with thick iron knockers in the shapes of a giant lizard Kayla joined the other kids pouring into the Great Hall. Rows of sturdy tables and benches lined the first half of the room while a grand staircase going up to the second, third, and fourth stories. There looked to be another story above the fourth floor but there was no apparent way to reach it. 

Older kids stayed on the above floors so it was just the newbies in the middle of the first floor. A couple of teachers walked in from the doors on the left of the grand staircase. One stood out in the group. With pale white skin and scars all over his hands, Kayla recognized him as Professor Larson, the fencing instructor. Strangely enough, he was the only male teacher in the group of three. A very prim lady with riding leggings, riding boots, and a riding crop walked in the front of the other two. Head mistress maybe? She certainly could be a riding instructor...

Kayla jumped as the lady snapped the riding crop into the palm of her hand. "Does everyone understand?" Kayla looked around confused as the others nodded. Somehow she had managed to zone out while the instructor -- or whoever the strict looking lady in front of them was-- was speaking.

The other lady, who was almost a foot shorter than the strict lady, walked up and smiled at the group. "Now that you have met Professor Cartier, our hunting instructor and disciplinarian for those of you who could not hear," at this Kayla locked eyes with the nicer lady, swearing that she winked at Kayla continuing, "I am Head Mistress Yona. My job is to make sure you 'first years' settle in well and don't...disrupt...the others who wish to seriously continue."

Professor Cartier and Professor Larson pursed their lips unhappily as Headmistress Yona continued. "The rules are simple: be respectful, work hard, and do NOT start anything you cannot finish."

Some of the guys grinned and nudged each other with devilish gleams in their eyes while others looked legitimately afraid. Kayla couldn't help but chuckle. 

"Is something funny, First Year?"

Everyone went silent as a cold voice cut through the air. There was only one male teacher in here that it could be and only one that Kayla had been warned about who truly hated girls. Kayla gulped and winced as she made eye contact with Professor Larson. Great, it's my first day and I've already gotten off to the wrong start with a teacher who truly hates my guts without even needing to know me. 

"No Sir Mr. Sna-- Professor Larson." Kayla stuttered as she realized the name Snakebite almost slipped out. A couple of the second and third years above snickered, some even giving Kayla a thumbs up for knowing him by the unofficial name. Even Micheal and Ethan couldn't help but give a thumbs up in approval.

Well at least they are getting something out of this. Who knows, first impressions with the other boys may be a bigger advantage and investment than with the teachers...

Kayla's shoulders straightened up and her back stiffened as Professor Larson sneered at her. "What was that, First Year?"

"Nothing. It's just you told a bunch of adolescent guys not to start anything they can't finish. And most of them probably think they could take you on the mat any day, although they would most likely end up coming away with more scars than they started with." Out of the corner of her eye, Kayla could see a bunch of guys on the balconies above nodding grimly. Around her though, many of the guys were grinning stupidly and even Professor Cartier and Headmistress Yona couldn't help small smiles.