Phoenix (Disconnected)

VIII-VIX

Nhinx

It was a peaceful but cold afternoon. I'm currently browsing the Phoenix news and events in the scroll while laying by my belly on the bed.

I'm using my left elbow to support the weight of my head as I inclined it while looking at my scroll, also using a pillow to support my upper body.

"I'm bored! I want to go home!" Nicole, sitting on my swivel chair and do one fast whole rotation then stopped. "Urk, dizzy."

I put down my scroll beside me. "What do you have in mind?" I asked and looked at her.

The councils and the other students left for the break, some students remained for the rest of the break and go to the town below the floating island where the school is located.

She grinned widely. I abruptly speak before she did. "No playing inside the woods. The snow most likely piled up there too." Her grin fell and crossed her arms while spinning herself in slow motion.

"It's so boring I'm gonna die." Nicole pouts and spun faster. She abruptly stopped after another rotation. "I shouldn't have done that–urk."

We're both startled by a knock. Nicole immediately stands up and goes behind the swivel chair, as I grab the lamp on my nightstand.

Grandfather is at the office while Trevor is out who-knows-where, so technically, Nicole and I are the only ones inside the Rose manor.

Nicole and I looked at each other, communicating who's going to open the door. Nicole averted her eyes and puckered her lips like a little sh*t would do. Guess I'll open it.

I nervously grab the knob and turn it slowly enough to hear it's spring turning. I peeked into the small space I opened.

A hollow. I've seen these forms a couple of times when upperclassmen do their enchantment activities. It's a pure formless shadow-like figure, yet this one is has a built of a man.

"You've been summoned in the headmaster's office." Its voice is chilling. After the message, it quickly disappears.

"Who was that?" Nicole asked as she also peeked outside.

"Huh...we're going somewhere," I told her. Her eyes light up. "That's what I'm talking about!"

"Really?" We're in front of the headmaster's office. Nicole didn't hide her disappointment when we stopped there.

I knocked and hear a familiar voice that permitted us to come in. We enter and saw grandfather writing. He stopped for a moment when he saw me.

"Ah, there's my granddaughter! How is your first week in winter break?" He asked warmly.

"It's fun, we made a snowman and snow angels...oh! we also did a snowball fight." I told him with contentment. He seemed to be pleased.

"That indeed sounds fun! I hope you've rested well?" He asked again. I nodded.

"Great! I apologize if I can't go with you with all this paperwork." He sincerely said. "Aged people are weak with climates too." Nicole unconsciously blurted out. She seemed to be proud of herself knowing random facts.

Grandfather narrowed his eye at Nicole. "This child." He whispered in irritation. Nicole innocently smiled.

He sighed and reached something behind those stacks of papers.

"I need you to go to this destination. I'm confident that you can do this. This is now the time to train you for your future." He snapped his fingers and a paper appeared in front of me. I grabbed it and read it.

I don't know how I quickly learned all the Ginean characters, it's like a key for something I already know.

"Ethelunia, that paper needs to go there. You will be going there as my representative." I looked at him in shock. Representative?!

"B-But I'm too young to be one! I-I don't know how to do this!" I panicked.

He just smiled at me confidently. "Relax! You're my granddaughter! You will naturally know what to do when you get there."

"W-What if I don't? I will make you a laughing stock!" I nervously replied.

"Trust me. That wouldn't happen, they're smart enough to know. I'll be sending someone with you during this trip so don't be nervous." He assured me.

"Yeah! Adventure!" Nicole jumped up and down. At least somebody's enjoying this. "You rock headmaster!" She does this finger gun sign at the headmaster. He rests his palm on his face. "Is she going with you?"

I nodded and he deeply sighs. "How are we going there? Warp?" Nicole looked horrified as I say the word 'Warp'.

"You will be using a blimp," Grandpa announced. "I'm hoping something more magical...like flying carpets," Nicole mumbled.

Oh boy, this will be a ride.