Chapter 31 Undeniable Toxins
1260words
You know, sometimes, I don't know why, but I think that it was a conspiracy.
'That might be something I would've never thought of.'
I have to go to Purgatory. Only that can tell me what happened.
'You said that with such powerful eyes, that I almost saw a gatekeeper inside you. From what dad told, gatekeepers must be like you, smart, strong-willed, confident and not afraid to defy gods.'
Melissa, are you awake? Akagi asked.
What's the matter, Milord? She asked.
Why are we doing this? Why are we helping an enemy? You know we have to fight them in the end.
One of us has to make a sacrifice.
Does it have to be us? Akagi asked but Melissa was asleep again, But I don't want to let you go. I have seen you crying behind closed doors over a person who doesn't give a damn about you, He whispered.
The next day, Aleksei transferred to high school. Vierne recognised him immediately. He sat beside her and so did Maks.
I thought they were the same age as Mr Akagi? Vierne said it out loud and Aleksei heard it.
I am
Then, why are you here?
We're here just for a close observation of your star spirit. But make sure that he doesn't know about us. She nodded.
Today, we will learn about poise. The mannerisms teacher, Ms Sophie said. She was a white, English woman and had specially come from the United Kingdom to work at the Escola high school. She was not a demigod but had studied about them and the magic theory. She had pure blonde hair tied up in a bun, blue eyes and white skin. She wore a beautiful, sea-green dress, black pencil heels and a black hat over her head. She seemed very elegant and approachable. The supernatural students had their first lesson that morning with her.
Poise is like makeup on but for the body. It teaches us how to breathe, sit and use our bodies ergonomically. It commands respect! We can learn it through certain exercises, ballet and ballroom dancing. But for today, I'll keep it simple. She took a book and kept a glass of water over it. Everything she did seemed effortless and elegant. Vierne felt fascinated just by looking at her.
May I have a volunteer? She asked and Nadia raised her hand.
Oh, wonderful. Would you please come here, Nadia, Nadia stood before her and she kept the book on her head with a wine glass over it.
Do not drop the glass, Nadia looked into her eyes, Now walk, And Nadia walked ahead. The glass or the book was still on her head, that's how perfect her poise was, Excellent, Nadia. Now, why don't you all give it a try.
Wait—I'm a guy! Slavik said.
But you are a demigod too. Ms Sophie smiled.
Fuck!
Do not swear.
Slavik groaned.
Vierne picked the book and kept it on her head. Then, she picked up the wine glass and kept it over it. Everyone was doing the same. Slavik was moving his upper body in all directions to balance the glass in the book. But still, he managed to drop everything and the glass broke.
Ugh! This is the first glass I broke.
It's alright, take another one and start again. Ms Sophie smiled.
What a sadist, Slavik said under his breath.
I heard you.
Belka had bent her knees to keep the balance.
Belka, walk straight.
I'm trying!
I remember failing this class when I was still in school, Aleksei said but then he decided to use magic to balance his glass. Unfortunate for him, he was caught.
No magic, Aleksei. Ms Sophie could tell when they were using magic so nobody could cheat.
Dammit!
Maks was just walking at the pace of an ant.
Maks?
I didn't drop it!
...Okay
Vierne had spread her arms while looking up at the book, Vierne, walk how you normally walk. Put your arms down.
'I'm doing all this just for being a gatekeeper? Lict, you owe me!'
She did as told and walked into the wall, Ouch. The glass fell on the floor.
Are you okay?
I should be. Everyone was struggling. Well, not everyone. Nadia and Galkin were too good at it. And they were getting on everyone's nerves.
How can you do it so well?! Slavik shouted as he broke another glass.
Mom taught it to me, Galkin said.
Are your parents alright in the head? Belka asked.
We're royalty, Galkin said.
Oh right. I forgot.
Wait—Really? Vierne asked.
Yes. So sorry, Vierne, I might take over you in this class. Galkin smirked and Vierne picked up another glass, This isn't that difficult!
Oh honey, you have no idea, Aleksei said. After the class was over, Vierne walked towards her locker with a book on her head. 'See? I knew it wasn't that difficult'. But, as soon as she opened her locker, someone slammed it back again. She looked behind her and her book fell. It was Dasha and Debora.
That's a new way of carrying books. Won't you carry ours too? Dasha said.
They kept all her books on her head and asked her to walk. Galkin and others entered the hallways by then. Everyone looked at Vierne.
What is she doing? Slavik whispered while Galkin just stared at her. She moved her feet forward but all the books began shifting back from her head so she moved back but then they came forward and fell on Dasha. Everyone laughed at her.
You!
I'm sorry. I'm still learning— She just shook her head, Where is Lict? Dasha asked.
Vierne shook her head,
Can't you just speak? Debora made an ugly expression. Dasha grabbed Vierne's hand and took her towards the janitor's room. That was the area of the school where nobody came. She grabbed Vierne's collar and slammed her on the wall.
You're so annoying! Dasha shouted. All the other girls surrounded her.
But—What have I done?
They laughed, Just stay away from Lict.
Why? Vierne asked.
You're not allowed to ask questions.
I'm sorry I don't take orders, I barely take suggestions.
Bitch. Dasha punched her face. Vierne pulled her and pushed her on the floor, How dare you to touch me! Dasha scratched Vierne's face while her girls pulled Vierne away from her. They grabbed Vierne's arms and she looked at Dasha.
This is unfair, I'm one and you're like eleven! Vierne shouted.
Shut up! Dasha punched her face consecutively five times until Vierne lost her strength and fell on the floor.
Cry Vierne, Dasha said but Vierne clenched her teeth.
Oh right, she doesn't take orders, or does she? Dasha kicked her face. Blood flowed out from Vierne's nose and she began whimpering.
Ha! There, you followed the order. Good girl, Vierne. Dasha smirked. They left her behind on the dirty floor. She slowly got up and walked towards the bathroom to wash her face. The halls were empty as the classes had begun.
She washed her face but didn't have any towel to clean it. Suddenly, she saw Grigory stand beside her. He passed her a towel. She looked at him.
Don't worry, I haven't used it yet. She hesitated but he took her hand and pressed the towel on it. She wiped her face and looked at him.
-To be continued
