Star Dust

Chapter Four - Fire Burns Brighter In The Dark

About a week had passed since we made the plan of escaping this place. During lunches and study time, Katori and Rose had stolen enough supplies for the three of us. They got everything they could get their hands on. When it was after school hours and late into the night, the three of us packed our bags accordingly to what we had. Throughout the week, I had painstakingly searched for the layout with no leads. Around Thursday, I heard that it was in the Prime Minister's Office. And I knew if we wanted to have any chance of leaving this place, I had to somehow get in there and get out with the layout of the building in my possession. I was currently sitting at the desk of my study room, researching the constellations for a project. We didn't want to look suspicious, so we continued school like any other day. It sucked a little, but it had to be done. As I found what I was looking for, the door buzzed. I turned to it just as it opened. The Prime Minister walks in, head held up high.

The emotionless mask takes over my face as I stand and bow my head in respect. He lowers his head in respect as well. I sit back down as he walks up to my desk. "What can I do for you, Prime Minister?" I ask him, my tone neutral. He smiles, as he glances at my holo computer screen. "I just stopped by to see how you were adjusting to the school assignments and kids in it. I see you have no problem with the school work." He tells me, his hands behind his back. I nod and look at the screen that held the Cassiopeia constellation. "It's not that hard. But I can't take any of the credit. My father taught me well." I say, smiling a little at the memories of my father and I in his study. He nods an annoyed look flashes across his face. But the look disappears as fast as it appeared. "And when did your father start teaching you?" He asks. I look at him. "Since I was first able to speak. Which was... when I was 1 and a half, I think." I answer him. 

He smiles again. "Once again, your father continues to make the world a better place for those living in it. It is a shame he is not here today to walk alongside you." He says, his back faced toward me. I knew what he was trying to do. He was a loyal one, trying to get a negative reaction out of me so I could fall to his feet. And it almost worked. But not today, and not ever. My mask remains cold and neutral. "Yes. I miss my father dearly. I only hope he is in a better place than here." I say, watching his face go from satisfied to boiling anger and annoyance. I wanted to smirk, but I held it down. "Yes. Let us hope," he mutters, thinking I couldn't hear him. He turns to me again, with a fake smile on his face. "Please excuse me. I just remembered I have a meeting today that will last late into the night, and I have to prepare. Have a good rest of your day, Faye Azal. While you still can." he says to me, muttering the last part to himself, but I could still hear him. As soon as he left the room, the door closes and seals shut.

I let my mask fall and place my head in my hands. "This just got a whole lot more urgent and dangerous," I say quietly. The Stargem pulses, agreeing with me. I close my eyes and let my mind wander. "What did he mean, 'Enjoy the rest of your day, while you still can?'" I said aloud. "And why does it feel like he hates my father? Why are there so many lies and questions? Why?" I sigh and lean back in my chair. The Stargem pulses and glows, forming words. "All will be revealed in time. Don't lose hope." "So you know why?" I question. For once, it stayed silent. I roll my eyes and quickly get up. "Fine. You don't want to tell me, so I will find out myself. Besides, I have to get the layout in his office anyway." I mutter, walking to the door, completely forgetting about my project.

As I walked in the hallways towards the dorms, I felt like I was being watched. Being taught by my father, he was always paranoid about things like this. He taught me to never look around when I felt like I was being watched. That would alert whoever was looking at you that you were aware of there presence. I discreetly grab my phone from my pocket and stop near the wall. I raise my phone to check my hair when really, I was using it as a reflected mirror. I turn the phone slightly to see my stalker. The person looked male and was tall. He had jet black hair and dark eyes. There were marks under his eyes, and he wore a long black cloak. He was staring right at me, unaware that I knew he was there. He was about 15 feet away from me, leaning on the opposite wall.