Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 16: The Simulation Chamber

"Bloom!"

Stella shouts at Bloom, who seems completely lost in thought, staring and leaning on the wishing well.

"Yes, Stella?"

"Were you even listening?"

"Sorry... It's just that I have a lot on my mind."

It's been happening quite a few times ever since that fight with the witches. I mean, her power was pretty intense. I still can't believe that she has the Dragon Flame. Does she even know that, though? I might even be the only one who noticed that, since fairies don't usually have the power to sense what a magic's source is. Besides, I did attend Infinite Castle for a year, and they really have extremely enriched classes on history and magic theory.

"What were you guys saying?"

Bloom asks us.

"We were talking about how excited it's going to be when Professor Palladium finally takes us to the simulation room!"

Musa answers her. I am also kind of excited for that. A little scared, but excited at the same time.

"I've heard that some really cool things happen in there."

Stella adds.

"Yeah... And some horrible ones too..."

Flora's the only one who seems really worried about this.

"You shouldn't let that scare you, Flora."

Tecna tries to comfort her.

"What's the worse that could happen anyway? I'm sure Professor Palladium will have everything under control."

I also say, trying to help Flora feel at ease. Stella nudges me and gives me a sly smile. I feel my face heating up.

"What?!"

"Oh, nothing. I just think that you're probably the most excited out of all of us for this class."

"T-That's not true!"

But it is... I'm not excited about the class, but I'm excited to see Professor Palladium. I haven't really had the chance to since it's the exam period. I'm too busy studying and he's too busy preparing for it. The only time I get to see him is during classes.

"Oh! It's time to go."

Tecna says after looking at her watch. We all head to the simulation room where Professor Palladium will be waiting for us. I have to say that I'm a bit nervous about how this is going to go. I'm not exactly sure what to expect.

When we arrive in the simulation room, nobody can help but exclaim at how different it looks from normal classrooms. We're basically standing on a bridge in a dome-like room.

"This is the simulation room."

Professor Palladium announces to us.

"What is it exactly?"

One of the fairies asks.

"Well, it's the product of the most powerful magic and the most sophisticated technology."

I see Tecna getting excited. This place is right up her alley. Professor Palladium keeps explaining with a lot of enthusiasm.

"The light produced allows our powerful computer to create all kinds of virtual realities and environments. The replications are absolutely flawless."

It's kind of... cute to see Professor Palladium so excited about something.

"Uh, can it be used to simulate virtual dates with boys?"

I sigh at Stella's question.

"You'll be sure to get one then."

One of the fairies retorts as the whole class starts laughing. Stella blushes from the sarcastic remark.

"Yes, well... Why don't we simulate your final exam instead?"

Hearing this, everyone stops laughing.

"In the anticipation of the upcoming midterm, I've set up for you a simulation of some of the things that will definitely be on the test."

I gulp. I'm getting kind of nervous about this.

"Now, let's all go and have a look at the control room."

We follow Professor Palladium in a smaller room connected to the one we're currently in.

"From here, we can see everything that goes on in the simulation room."

Stella winks at Tecna.

"This is Toy Land for you, right?"

Tecna nods.

"Mhm, it's amazing!"

Professor Palladium then sits in the chair and clicks a few buttons while all the fairies get closer to him to see what he's doing. I stay in the back of the crowd, not really feeling comfortable squeezing in with the others.

"You'll be able to choose between two tests, look."

We all look at the screen showing the simulation room. The walls of it then start lighting up.

"Your first option is: Use magic to counteract the unfortunate results of evil spells cast by a group of wicked witches."

As he explains the first option, a group of witches appear and transform a few people into toads.

"It looks so real!"

Bloom exclaims. I'm starting to get worried... I can't counteract magic at all. I might be able to suck up the dark magic, though. It could work!

"Now, option number two: Use magic to produce positive results on a damaged environment."

On the screen, a barren planet shows up.

"That's my strong point."

Flora says with a smile. She's definitely got this one in the bag. This second option is not for me at all, though. The environment and I don't really get along very well.

"It'll be a walk in the park for someone like me."

Stella adds.

"I see modesty is your best quality, huh?"

Bloom replies to her.

"No, my second best. Right after beauty!"

Stella then giggles at her statement.

"We'll all meet here tomorrow, for your midterm. Please do come well prepared and ready to go. Believe me, this will be an experience you'll remember for a very long time."

All the fairies leave the room. I stay behind, wanting to ask more about the simulation. I also want to talk to Professor Palladium for a bit... He shuts the computer down. When he turns around, he stays still for a bit, noticing me there. He then smiles at me.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Onyx?"

He's still acting like a teacher with me. Well, that's how it should be, but... I can't help but feel like there's a bit of distance between us when he does that.

"I... just wanted to know more about the simulation. I'm a bit worried about it..."

"You shouldn't worry about it. I'm sure you'll do great. Now, I still have a class to teach after this, so I'll see you tomorrow for the midterm."

He then passes by me and leaves the room. What was I expecting to happen anyway? I can't help but feel my heart squeeze uncomfortably, though. I feel like I've been rejected, even though he's just acting like a normal teacher. And maybe that's why I feel so weird... I don't want him to act like we're just student and teacher. I want more... But it just won't happen.