Skulls and Songs

Chapter 2

     Marika balled her fists. Summoning her will, she opened her mouth and a tirade of notes flowed through her full lips. She flawlessly sang the chorus to "Angels Fall" by Breaking Benjamin. It was the least potent of her musical armory, and would only put him in a daze. It did just that.
"When angels fall with broken wings
I can't give up, I can't give in.
When all is lost and daylight ends
I'll carry you and we will live forever, forever."
        Stumbling, Justin made his way to his seat, and everyone shut up. The beauty of her voice flowed over the crowd of students like honey, and the sweet scent of mountain laurel hung thick in the air.
"Marika," a voice warned. Turning her head, cutting off her voice, and leaving the space deathly quiet, she looked at her best friend, Bellaire. Lana stood beside her, her eyes urgent. Bellaire's fiery red hair was frizzed out.
"Stop," she whispered.
     Marika looked at the glazed eyes of the students and nodded. Lana breathed a sigh of relief. Her friends were the only two people she'd sung to who weren't affected, and that was saying something.
       Taking her seat, she angled her eyes forward as Professor Tow walked in. Groaning quietly, she propped her head in her hands.  Substitute.
    Madame Janine must be sick. Madame Janine was her favorite teacher, and was only mildly affected by her voice.
          Marika's voice could do a number of things. It could make people do what she wanted, or if she did it wrong it could backfire and they'd attack her. Her voice could spark a party, a romance, or bring a grown man to tears. It all depended on the song and how she sung it. Her favorite, "Saviour" by Black Veil Brides, could bring anyone depression or happiness. "Saviour" was a moldable song. The same lyrics sung in different keys or tones could change the desired effects.
  "Now, class," came a Chinese accent. "I know we were all expecting Madame Janine, but she has come down with a cold. Today we'll be taking our quiz on chords and such." Professor Tow waved a hand dismissively.
         After class had finished, Marika, Bellaire, and Lana went to their dorm. Marika plopped down on her bunk and buried her face in her pillow.
"What have I done?" She groaned.
"Ah, don't worry about it," came Lana's voice as she pulled out her books. Lana was majoring in medicine, and joined the arts program for writing.
"Caddie and Drake just got together, so all the talk will be about them, not you." She piped.
    Marika felt Bellaire sit on her back. 
"Listen to Doc, Song Bird. It's no biggie," She said. Bellaire was going to college for extra credit to get into the marines, and was majoring in...well, Marika wasn't sure.
"I just ruined any chance I have at staying here," She muttered dejectedly.
"Jeez, M. Chill," Bellaire said, getting irritated. "Lights out, y'all." She flicked off the lights.
"But-" Lana protested with an irritated sigh. A table lamp flicked on and Lana got to her studies.
         Marika's mind was whirling, and she doubted she would get to sleep. Pulling out her iPod and earbuds, she turned on her Black Veil Brides playlist and changed into her black pajama pants and a grey cami. She went to bed, and by the fifth song playing in her ears, she had drifted into a light sleep.