Distorted Reflections

Not as it should be

A/N: Snow here with the new chapter of Distorted Reflections! This story had such a positive reception I had to work extra hard for this new chapter. Are you ready to visit a brand new world? Where you can no longer be sure of anything anymore. Enjoy, my readers!

Chapter 1: Not as it should be

January 10, 2028

Woods Residence

6:30 a.m.

No matter how thoroughly Juniper searched her room, she couldn't find her proof of friendship. It was an incredibly alarming way to start the morning, but Juniper tried to convince herself that there was some kind of logical explanation.

While having breakfast with her Grandma, Juniper decided to ask her where the red bracelet had gone. The frown on her Grandma's face was disconcerting- but even worse was what she answered.

"I don't remember you ever having such a bracelet. Are you sure you aren't thinking of something else?"

"Well, this bracelet is something me and my friends wear," Juniper said carefully. "Are you sure you haven't seen it, Grandma?"

Virginia Woods shook her head. "No, I haven't seen anything like that."

Juniper felt her heart pound painfully in her chest as her mind went to the pond she found yesterday. Could that have actually been the legendary Mirror Pond? Did that mean Juniper was currently in another world?

No. There just had to absolutely be another explanation at play. Juniper could think of no set of circumstances that would lead to the disappearance of the proof of friendship. More importantly, her Grandma confirmed that Hugh and Robin were still her friends.

If she didn't hurry up, Juniper would be late for school. Yet even as she put on her uniform, Juniper couldn't help but shake a feeling that had settled in her gut. A feeling that something had gone horrendously wrong.

January 10, 2028

Themis Legal Academy, front gates

7:50 a.m.

Waiting at the front gate, as always, was Hugh, reading from a textbook. Juniper smiled at her best friend, and Hugh smiled back as he always did. Standing by him, Juniper waited for what she knew would always come next.

Suddenly, a cardboard by lying Hugh stood up, causing Juniper to leap back in surprise. Arms came out of holes of the cardboard box, revealing that inside was none other than Myriam Scuttlebutt.

"Ahhh! I really wish you wouldn't keep doing that, Myriam," Juniper said, feeling like her heart was going to burst from her chest.

It was then Myriam did something she'd never done before- she took off her box in public. "I know that you keep telling me that, but I can't help but tease you sometimes, Juniper," Myriam said bashfully. "Sorry about that, sss sss sss."

In all the time that Juniper had known Myriam, she'd never apologized once. It was a habit Juniper hoped she could instill in the reclusive girl. Looking at the Myriam, Juniper could see her entire demeanor was different: Myriam's posture was relaxed, her smile looked natural, her entire expression was just softer. It was almost like Myriam was another person entirely.

"It's still good to see you Myriam," Juniper said, even as her voice started shaking. "Have either of you seen Robin?"

Myriam gave a more familiar derisive chuckle while Hugh shook his head. Just what was going on here? The longer this morning went on the stranger it seemed.

"Robin? Who knows? More importantly, who cares?" Hugh said, displeasure clear on his face. "The last thing I want to do is think of that smug smirk-"