Elemental Academy

Begin anew

The four roommates were allowed to return back to school and it was abuzz over the Cosmic Daily article by Angelique Griever. The media was all over campus, interviewing students and teachers, alike. Reporters burst with energy when the girls entered the portal with guards around them. "Ladies," one of the guards said as the reporters bolted for them. "We don't have time for questions, acting headmaster Connaught wants you in the dorm lounge." Guards surrounded the four teens and created a rocky barrier around them as the headed for the dorm. "Move," the guard bellowed. "Step aside. No questions or pictures."

Up in the student lounge, the decor from last night was being taken down but the tables were still there as were the chairs. The four were still in there outfits, makeup smudged, hair untidy and heels in hand, except for Quinn. She was still comfortable in her flats. Their parents were there, being debriefed by a man in a gray suit with the Scorch flag pinned to his lapel.

"Ladies," he greeted and their parents turned to them. Aria bolted into the arms of her father while Raquel was inside her parents' arms and Phoenix was wrapped in Alister's embrace. "I'm sure you're exhausted but we have a lot to go over." Quinn sat next to Aria and her father offered Quinn his jacket.

"Can this please wait," Raquel asked ruefully. "We know President Safers sent you, but really? Our friend's parents were arrested and she might never see them again. We have family and she only has lawyers. Please."

The man nodded, "all I have to say is on behalf of President Safers would like to honor each of you with a Ray of Prosperity prize for all you've done for the Cosmic, and what you've prevented."

Cheering excitedly the girls stood up and engulfed each other in a massive hug, jumping in a circle. The Ray of Prosperity prize is a highly respectable award reserved for war and historical heroes. The previously youngest award winner was F. W. Falcon, a darkness user who died at the age of twenty from standing up against his fellow darkness users during the Terra battles.

Aria grabbed Quinn's hands excitedly, "congratulations, you're the youngest Ray of Prosperity award winner." Quinn's joy turned to sorrow as she stopped jumping. Aria, still holding on to her felt the reason why. "Smithers would proud. We are and we're your family, now."

"All of us," Phoenix clarified.

Aria's father rested a hand on Quinn's shoulder, "until this is resolved, you're more than welcome to come with Aria in December."

"Thank you, Mr. Sage," she whispered softly, tearing up.

The man in the gray suit was by the elevator but turned back to the group. "One more thing," he stated. "Madam President has made it clear that should any of you be found to be using the forbidden practices again, she will not be as lenient has she has been. You will answer to the Department of Justice."

"We understand, sir," Aria replied as she let go of Quinn's hands. "It won't happen again."

The four gathered outside in the now empty quad, wandering about carelessly. "We're heroes now," Raquel stated. "It feels less rewarding than I thought."

Aria sighed, "let me guess, large sums of money and a statue in your honor?" Raquel nodded enthusiastically. "Just like General Chester Sophia."

"Aria," a voice called from the distance, it was Graham. "About last night," he stated then pulled her into his arms and returned her exquisite kiss, holding her in place. "You're committed, I'll give you that." She blushed as she turned to her friends. "I might not be here next September but, there's a whole year from now before then."

"Plus there's no more Cade," Raquel called as she and the others walked on. "I'd say 'yes' before some other dried up cunt does."

"Did she just call you...?"

"Raquel at her finest."

The two followed Aria's roommates in their stroll around the school. The sun was shining like it usually did but something was different about it; it seemed more symbolic. More free, like the boundless sky or the birds that soared in it. Aria and Phoenix smiled at each other when they felt it, as did Raquel, Quinn and even Graham.

Raquel sighed defeatedly. "I just realized that we have an evil worse than last night to face." Quinn and Phoenix froze with wide eyes while Aria only chuckled when she felt the response and Graham merely eyed them all. "High school."