Crossroads of Two Worlds

24- These Worlds Really Shouldn't Mix

The Dormitory

"Ok, let me just get this straight... Do you want to go into the forbidden forest to do forbidden activities and break, in the process, approximately thirty-four school rules?"

"Yep, that sounds about right," I replied nonchalantly to Rose's terrified face.

I was sitting cross-legged on my bed, sharpening my swords and humming "Frosty the Snowman" as my roommates stared at me like I was insane... which I may have been. I wouldn't have dared to tell my plan to anyone but these two. They were the most trustworthy people I had, even if they thought I was nuts.

"Remind me again why we can't let the teachers handle this? I'd say they have a bit more experience than we do, wouldn't you think?" Kaley questioned from her spot on the floor, braiding Rose's hair.

"Because none of them have an all-powerful princess on their side!"

Kaley looked up, suddenly excited, "Who is our princess?!?"

I scoffed, "Me! Pay attention!"

"Oh, so not a real princess."

"Hey!"

I was about ready to protest further when the air by the window started shimmering and mist started to form from nowhere. It was another Iris message, but there was no telling who it was from this time. As the images rippled, I could finally make out Maya's face... then Adrian's... then Chiron's. Why was Chiron joining our chat? He had condensed his horse-body into the wheelchair so that he could sit level with Maya and Adrian, his ancient eyes still piercing and wise.

I'd nearly forgotten about who was in the room with me when Rose and Kaley scrambled over to join me in my bed. They sat on my either side, all three of us in pajamas, all three sitting cross-legged on my mattress so we could all be seen by the three in America. I had been catching them up on how things worked in the demigod world, and thankfully, Iris messages were something I'd covered.

"Alana? Can you hear me?" Maya said loudly, obviously still not getting how sound worked over the mist barrier.

"Maya dear," Chiron said gently, "Just because Alana is across an ocean, doesn't mean you need to yell for her to hear you."

Maya cringed, "Right, sorry."

I chuckled at my American friend, "Thank you Chiron, for getting her to understand that concept."

Adrian smiled at my two friends sitting next to me, "And who are these ladies?"

Rose blushed as red as her hair but Kaley just laughed and introduced the both of them, "I'm Kaley Finch and this is Rose Weasley. I'm guessing you're Adrian?"

He gave a tiny bow, "At your ser- OOF!"

Before he could even finish the word, Maya elbowed him in the gut, a familiar stern glare on her face, "Zip it, we've got more important things to do than flirt!"

Adrian grimaced and rubbed his stomach, "That was unnecessary, Maya! Sorry guys."

I nearly felt bad for him, having felt that elbow-in-the-gut myself, but he'd survive. Lord knows he'd survived much worse, as had I. 

Chiron eventually spoke up again, scooting even closer to the Iris message screen so I could clearly see his ancient eyes, "Alana I would love to ask about your schooling and friends because we all know I'm a teacher at heart, but there is pressing news that you must be informed of, and these messages only last so long."

I inched closer well, not that I could actually be nearer to them... I wished I could, "What's the matter?"

"We've received news of some manner of underworld demons hiding near your school. You may have already experienced some of their effects."