Crystalline Cavern: The Brigaders

Chapter 9

Jane

       I'm sitting in history class listening to the TI talk about The French Revolution. I'm so bored! I'd rather be out in the Training Facility cutting something. I fucking hate history. Or just school in general. Except for science though, I love science. Everything else is just stupid. I notice Nicole seemed a little off today like she's more vigilant than usual and also a bit on edge. "Hey, what's wrong? You look like you're gonna kill the next person you see." I try to whisper so the teacher doesn't hear me. "Who, me? I'm fine, just a bit stressed out is all."

      "How come?"

      "You know, TNT, training, school. The usual."

      "You sure? Nothing else bothering you?" I was suddenly caught off guard. "Ladies, I'm trying to review here, so if you want an A on the test I suggest you pay attention please." We both apologized. Damn it, I'm gonna have to talk to her during training hours. I highly doubt it's just training and school that's throwing her off her game.

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       I walked into the Training Facility and approached Nicole.  "Hey Rose!"

      "Oh, hey Ruby. What's up?"

      "Nothing. It's just that you never really answered my question."

      "Look, I already told you that I'm just stressed out, so can you please let me be so I can take it out on these moving targets?"

      "Ugh! Fine if you say so, but if something's up, you know where to find me."

      "Sure, whatever..." I knew that I shouldn't push it but I could tell something was wrong. She then shot a Triple-Arrow shot at a few targets hitting a bullseye on 3 targets. She was obviously thinking about something and what I wanna know is, why on Earth is she neglecting to talk to me?! Am I really that untrustworthy? Something serious must've happened. I walked away slowly, trying to figure out what happened that's got her all worked up. Did a family member die? Did she lose a fight? Are her grades on the fritz? Ok, that last one can't be true, but maybe she'll be better by tomorrow. Hopefully...

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       The other Brigaders and I were sitting at lunch eating our meals. I couldn't help but notice that Rose wasn't eating much, in fact, she was actually murdering her lunch with her fork by stabbing her mashed potatoes repeatedly. Kai turned to her. "Uh, Rose? You alright?"

      "Huh?" I guess she was deep in thought and Forest broke her out of it. "I asked if you're ok.  Are you?"

      "Uh, yeah, I'm fine. Hey Violet? Can I uh, talk to you for a sec?" Once again, I'm not the first person to come to her mind when she needs to let something out. And after I kindly offered my full attention to her yesterday. The nerve. Violet and Rose made their way towards the hallway outside the cafeteria, so as the creepy and messed up person I am, I decided to eavesdrop. "Uh, excuse me guys, I don't think that cafeteria pizza is sitting right..." Dark looked at me in disgust. "Um, TMI...?"
      
       I ran out of the cafeteria and found Violet and Rose walking down the hallway towards Hall E, the abandoned hallway. I ran towards them passing a couple making out by the lockers and a classroom where a TI was watching videos on his computer. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that this is a training academy. I finally made it to Hall E, but I didn't turn the corner 'cause then they'd see me. All I could do right now is listen closely. I overheard Eliza speak first. "What's been going on with you Nicole? You look like you're ready to kill someone."

      "That's because I am!"

      "But why?"

      "Look, on Friday after brunch, I got a letter that had been stuck in my dorm room's frame. At first, I thought it was the school-"

      "But the school usually emails our letters."

      "I know, that's why I immediately ruled that scenario out."

      "So who was the letter from then?"

      "The NightWalkers."

      "The NightWalkers?!" The NightWalkers?! "Would you lower your voice?! Geez!" What could they possibly want? "Sorry, but why did the NightWalkers send you a letter?" That's what I want to know! And why just Rose? "Oh, not just to me, they addressed it to all of us! And boy do I just wanna kick some ass right now!"

      "Look, after hearing this, so do I, but what exactly did the letter say?"

      "I'll show you after classes are over since it's in my dorm room. Right now, we should get back to the others before they start to worry."

      "You're right, let's get back." I ran towards the girl's bathroom, went inside, and waited for them to go back into the cafeteria with the others. I went to the cafeteria and told the others that I didn't feel well and that I needed to go back to my dorm. Violet offered to come with me but I just tell her that I'm fine and that I insisted she stay here and continue her classes. I don't really mind skipping a class or two but I had a dorm room to break in. This time, I'm gonna be the first to know about something for once!

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       I walked into the girl's dorm building and went to Rose's dorm. She always kept a spare key under the plant that was at the end of the hallway, so I retrieved the key and went into her room. I quickly found an envelope on her desk and opened it. I noticed that the paper inside was black and everything was written in white writing when I unfolded it. As I read the letter, I slowly grew angrier by each word. No wonder Rose was so pissed! Those mother fuckers are gonna pay for writing this! And if they think they're winning TNT this year?! Then boy, are they wrong because I promise to mince all of those losers!