*The Chronicles of F.R.E.E. Earth's Knight - Ruth Watson* PART 1 - OZRYN

Chapter Six - Atkinson

The next day, Goodwin, Green and I were sitting in the living room, slowly waking ourselves up before heading out for the day.
Green had lent me an outfit for me to wear for the day. We matched in similar shirts with ropes around and waists and dark green knee length skirts. I cringed when she stated to Goodwin as we entered the living room that we would be "twinning it" today. Goodwin finally showed a small smile at that though, so I forgave her.
Thankfully, Goodwin didn't have a broken nose after yesterday's event. But she was still very pissed off with Collins, so most of our talk this morning was slagging him off.
"He thinks he's SOOOO powerful," Green said sarcastically.
"Thats because he blows Atkinson so he gets protection from his 'best mate'" Goodwin hissed.
"Who's Atkinson?" I asked, biting my nail.
"Hes the founder of SOS" Green said.
"Its said that he arrived in Ozryn first, and fought a bunch of Smokelings on his own" Goodwin rolled her eyes.
"I take it you don't believe that?" I smirked at her.
"Not for a bloody second!" She folded her arms and looked to the floor. "I mean, I do think he was among one of the first to arrive here, but that he fought off Smokelings on his own? Bullshit!"
I cocked my head to the side. "Do I dare ask what Smokelings are?" I wondered aloud.
Goodwins looked at me sympathetically before answering.
"They're, like... shadow creatures. But solid. They float around in the shadows of the forest, and only make their presence known when they've chosen their prey..." She looked sick before she continued. "I've only seen one since I arrived 4 days ago. It looked like a figure... but it was more like it was a floating diamond shape. I could tell it was looking at me, but I didn't see any eyes... then it tried to grab me with this... hook..." She trailed off, shuddering at the memory.
Green looked to me before continuing for her. "No one knows how to kill them, as they're like ghosts. Swords and shields are useless. The only option you have with them is to run!" She put her hand over mine reassuringly. "Good thing is they don't move very fast, so you can easily escape them."
"You just need to see them before they get too close" Goodwin finished.
A knock on our front door made us all jump.
Green smiled at me, before getting up and going to answer it. She came back a minute later, followed by a tall, red haired boy about my age. He looked at me with an amused face.
"Watson, this is Atkinson." Green introduced.
Ahhh, so this was Atkinson. I took an instant dislike. He came across cocky and arrogant, just like Collins. I saw what Goodwin meant when she told me she didn't believe the stories of him defeating a Smokeling on his own. He looked thin and lanky. His whole attitude stank of selfishness and over-confidence. His clothes were the best quality I had seen so far. He wore a similar, but thicker looking shirt to everyone else's, but he wore a grey, unbuttoned waistcoat. His trousers fitted him perfectly, so I knew he had had someone make them for him. He wore proper shoes too, not the brown sandals everyone else wore. He was standing with his hands on his hips, very smug and looking like he was gifting us with his presence. Made me feel sick.
"Watson," He nodded his head at me in greeting. I dipped my head back, be it unwillingly.
"I wondered if you could start your training today," Atkinson slurred lazily, making it known that this wasn't a request but an order.
"I thought I was still being shown round today." I said to him.
"Yes well," Atkinson dismissed. "It will be better all round if you started your training today and learned your way round as you go. Practical learning its called" His eyes flashed.
"Goodwin, you take care of her. As you have not yet proven yourself against the others-" Goodwin looked like he was about to knock his teeth out at that. "- You can train her along with Green. Keep you girls together." He smirked as he said girls.
"Whatever." Goodwin huffed.
"Excellent. I'll see you all in the Great Hall later then" He stretched his lips into a sickening fake smile and left.
"What a dick," I hissed.
"You said it. Right, lets get going then." Goodwin stood to leave and I followed suit. Green let us pass then brought up the rear, closing the front door and locking it as we left.

Once we entered the Great Hall, we were greeted by the sight of Atkinson again with his little side-kick Collins and a boy I hadn't met yet. The three of them looked at us as we coursed our way to the double doors to get to the green.
Collins was staring at Green, eyes narrowed and licking his lips suggestively at her. She made a tiny squeak and gripped my arm. I glared over to him.
Atkinson and the boy were casting bored looks at Goodwin and I, that was until the boy leaned in to him and whispered something. Their faces changed into evil smirks and it brought a lump to my throat. They better not be saying what I think they're saying! Collins asked the boy what he said and leaned over, not taking his eyes off Green, for Atkinson to whisper it to him. Collins face mirrored their evil smirks immediately.
We quickened our pace to get to the doors, but just as we got close-
"Watson!" I cringed and turned to Atkinson.
"Yes?" I said, keeping my face void.
"Yes, sir to you!" Collins said through gritted teeth. "She's already got some fucking nerve. Should have left her for the Coffinhounds dinner." He shook his head, acting as he was regretful for helping save me. I narrowed my eyes.
"Now, now Collins." Atkinson patted his pet on the shoulder to calm him. "I dont believe you have met Stainton?" He introduced the boy to me. "Stainton, this is Watson. Our newest... girl." He dragged out the word and made me feel sick to the stomach again.
"Watson, this is Stainton. Hes my right hand man!" Atkinson looked down his nose at me, while Stainton smeared his face into a feign smile.
"Pleasure to meet you, gorgeous" He sneered.
"Uh huh," I made a face back. "Welp, best get on with this 'training'" I mocked, and turned on my heel away from them and dragged the girls with me.
"Damn, shes a feisty one" I heard Atkinson mutter to his crones.
"She's got killer legs" was the last thing I heard before reaching the door and quickly escaping.