Elemental Academy

Equinox

The elevator doors parted and led into the elegantly decorated and enormous dormitory lounge. The white walls had soft cream drapes with small bouquets of dark purple flowers between them. Fairy lights spread from each of the six drapes on three of the walls. The fourth wall was left barren apart from its huge double doors that led to the balcony with a view of Ferndale. Near the first half of the lounge were simple-planned round tables with six chairs at them. In corner by the barren wall, two tables were set up with drinks. Between the two was open floor, occupied by students and teachers alike.

The the atmosphere was filled with the excitement of ignorant teenagers and blunt teachers as well as the blare of upbeat music pulsating from the speakers. The faint smell of flowers was in the air and the last orange hue of sunset faded away. Cheery conversation was in the air but when the four friends entered the room, the sink eying and uneasy whispers began.

"Aria," an awestruck voice called from behind them. "Wow," Graham responded to her when she turned around. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," she replied while her friends slowly walked away from them. "So do you," she commented at his lack of effort into his jeans, black top and red plaid shirt. "You look read for the Met Gala. Very dapper, Mr. McMahon. Very dapper."

He chuckled as he shook his head defeatedly, "I've done this three times already. First time it's cool, after that, it just sucks. Plus it's compulsory." He caressed her cheek and saw her eyes glimmer, the celestial glow around her had vanished. "The other elemental heads agreed to choose your roommates." She nodded ruefully. "Can you please tell me what's going on?"

"Ignorance is bliss," was all she said and he huffed defiantly. "Please just believe that we're the good guys." He said nothing but turned to see who was watching them. "Would you like to dance," she asked giving up.

Caught off guard, Graham's eyebrows raised to his hairline. "You're very unconventional." She shrugged with a menacing smile. "I'd like that very much." He offered her his hand and guided her to the dance floor. "Aria," he called sternly, making her whimper softly. She was always intrigued by how he always managed to sound like his angry. "You don't need to call me 'Mr. McMahon'. Not tonight, at least."

She nodded with a small smile as he gathered her in his arms. The upbeat music filled their ears as they began dancing to it. Raquel refrained from the dance floor while her dad was there, dancing with her mother. Instead she was with other earth elementals near the balcony doors, exchanging gossip. Phoenix parked herself with Quinn, at the far end of the room, near the doors that led into the kitchen. Phoenix knew the school's catering team and they had no shame in donating the excess foods to her and Quinn.

Some time later, headmistress Cade called the students to take their seats as she had an announcement to make. "Tonight is a very iconic night," she began as Graham sat between Aria and Phoenix. "Tonight, we celebrate the two hundred and forty-fifth anniversary of our school and two hundred and forty-five years since the end of the Great War!"

A small applause broke out amongst the students and teachers while the roommates turned to exchange expressions. "Yay us," Raquel spat bitterly.

"To mark this occasion, one student from each faction of element will be chosen for a special honor." Phoenix and Aria turned to each other uneasily but turned back to the headmistress when she continued, "for, my dear children and staff members, will you please raise your glasses in celebration of the school's success and the generals who not only founded it, but also led their armies against Terra rebels. To Silver Crow Academy."

All the students and teachers raised their glasses of alcohol-free bubbly as they repeated, "to Silver Crow Academy."

They sipped their flutes then headmistress Cade cleared her throat. "I urge you all to enjoy the festivities of the evening. Enjoy."