There is a fifty-fifty chance that meeting up with the person might result in me getting expelled since it's Ms. Do'or and she works as a some sort of investigator. She might report me to the principals that I have left the academy without permission or leave, but she is the only person that can also get me back. I have no phone on me or money, and I am freezing in this weather just wearing my pyjamas. I tried to run towards her through the crowd while assessing her face expressions. Is she angry? Is she worried? I hope it's the second option because that would mean she won't report me. I couldn't care less about my naked feet getting cut or dirty if it means I am back in my room and out of this coldness. To make it easier for me, Ms. Do'or unfroze from her shock and surprise, then walked towards me to close the distance between us. She was dressed in her usual outfit created from black stockings, grey tight skirt and white blouse, all half-covered under a grey trench coat which she took off and then placed it around me, revealing a grey suit jacket underneath. I hugged the coat she gave me and tried to create some heat. With that thought also my powers decided to work like on command and the blue electricity crackles appeared around my arms. Ms. Do'or noticed that and quickly hugged me tight under her arm, pulling me away behind a corner into this empty alley.

Ms. Do'or: What the hell are you doing outside academy grounds? You are still in your sleeping clothes so I doubt that you got permission for leaving. And using your powers like this in public?

Me: Oh, I am sorry. My body just acts up whenever I am cold and the lightning is heating me up. I haven't learned how to control my powers yet.

Ms. Do'or: And the answer for the first question?

Me: I have no idea how I ended up here. I was just sleeping in my room and then suddenly felt cold. At first, I thought it's just a dream but then quickly realized that I am in the real world.

Ms. Do'or: Strange but doesn't matter now. We need to get you back to the academy before they find out you left.

She didn't have to tell me twice and I gladly followed Ms. Do'or to wherever she started to drag me to. But first she checked if anyone is around, then crouched in front of me and casted a spell. I recognized the movements and they are for a protection shield which appeared soon after around my feet. I no longer felt the coldness of the road or anything else around my feet. Ms. Do'or quickly explained that this should do for now and protect my feet while we walk since we don't have time for shoe-shopping. I only thanked her and thought to myself that it's actually great and a smart idea, then we walked out of the alley onto the main road. Ms. Do'or raised her arm and waved with her hand into the traffic and got us one of the taxis. She let me go in first, then got inside too and instructed the driver to where she wants us to go.

We sat in silence the whole time and I still couldn't discern if the investigator lady is angry with me and will report this to Principal Haydos or if she is shocked, surprised or just thinking. The drive was pretty fast and we stopped in front of this alleyway. Ms. Do'or paid the driver while I waited outside and stared at the familiar place. It's been a few months since then but I recognized the trees and old buildings surrounding us. I kept looking around which alarmed Ms. Do'or.

Ms. Do'or: Is something wrong?

Me: No. It's just, this is the place where I got through into the academy when I got accepted.

Ms. Do'or: There are multiple enchanted entrances which all lead to the Inyll gate. This one was the closest to us.

Somehow what Ms. Do'or said made sense even though it was outside of my knowledge. I really do need to study up in the magical area. With a blink of an eye, the surroundings changed and we were walking through the shadowy alley lined with poplar trees and there, in the distance is the Inyll gate. We were getting closer to the gate and I just stared at the Ityx statue that seems to be looking at us, following our steps. Ms. Do'or waved with her hand and then the Ityx's eyes dimmed the red light in its' eyes and suddenly it felt like it has stopped watching us, even though the statue didn't move at all. Ms. Do'or explained that the statue is reporting everyone who crosses through the gate but right now we should be shielded from its' vision. Guess that means she won't report me. I felt relieved and then continued to walks towards the gate but Ms. Do'or hardened her grip on my upper arm and pulled me to the left side. It surprised me so I stumbled with my steps but then continued following her into the trees. I was confused as to why we are going there so I asked her about it.

Me: Uhm, Ms. Do'or? The gate is that way.

Ms. Do'or: I know. But the same as Ityx, also Inyll is noting down who crossed through. We can't risk that it will come up in the logs so we will use a secondary entrance which is not checking who passed into the academy. It is used by selected teachers and Magicians so I hope that you will keep this a secret since you are not supposed to know about it. Even though you don't have the navigation spell for this entrance and won't be able to use it again, I would still appreciate you not saying anything about it to anyone, even the teachers.

Me: I won't, I promise. And thank you, for helping me.

Ms. Do'or only looked at me and smiled. Her expression finally changed from a cold one that I couldn't read to a warm smile. I was glad that she was the one that found me but I also felt guilty now. Adding yet another person to the list of people I need to be eternally grateful to. Why can't I do anything properly and people need to constantly save me or help me? I sighed but continued to walk through the trees into this foggy field. I couldn't see anything below my knees as we walked through the fog towards this big rock. The boulders was smooth and maybe only one head taller than us with a casual wooden door painted grey in the middle of it. Ms. Do'or stopped in front of the door and opened them while I waited behind her. She turned around and extended her hand so that I grab it. She told me that we need to hold hands in order for me to pass, since I don't have the clearance or something like that for this special entrance. I grabbed her hand which was very warm despite it being so cold outside right now. My fingers brushed against a cold spot though and when I checked it, I could see the ring on her hand. It is a wedding band, probably, but she is not wearing it on her wedding finger. I focused on it and I could see a faint blue shimmer come out of the ring again, the same one as during the Manifestation testing Ms. Do'or was conducting on me. It calmed me down. Home, feels like home for some reason.

Before I could even realize it, we have already passed through the secret entrance and are currently walking through the yard in front of the Aveus half. Ms. Do'or stopped walking a few steps into the academy grounds and turned towards me.

Ms. Do'or: You can't pass through the crossing door or cafeteria. Safest option is to cross barrier here in the yard and then just walk up to your room. If anyone sees you or asks you where have you been, just tell them that you didn't feel well and visited the infirmary.

Me: Understood. And thank you again, Ms. Do'or. I was so lucky that it was you in the area who found me.

Ms. Do'or: I was there to investigate a magical surge and find out a magical anomaly. Never expected to find a student there.

Me: I never expected myself to be randomly teleported. Do you know what happened?

Ms. Do'or: I will write down something for my report, excluding you in the incident, but I need to investigate this. I hope that you will cooperate with me, Ms. Holland.

Not I like I have a choice or a say in this matter. Ms. Do'or saved me from being expelled and is going to lie on her report because of me, so of course I need to comply with her request. Nodding was the best I could do as a reply before I started shaking and shivering from the cold. My powers were pulled back, I don't even know when, so my body wasn't being warmed up by using the lightning. I took off the coat and handed it over to Ms. Do'or. She told me to keep it and that I can return it when she comes back for the investigation but I could see her body also trembling. I told her that I can just run into the building and I will be okay meanwhile she still has to walk in this weather and pushed the coat into her arms, then pivoted and started to sprint towards the building. I crossed the barrier first and then continued to run, towards the Umbras side now.

I entered the building and felt a relief that I am somewhat safe from being exposed and also that I won't freeze anymore. I am not in my best shape so I was panting hard but the exhaustion is passing faster than usual. Maybe Reilly's workouts and me walking on the stairs every day is helping to increase my stamina. After I was done with trying to catch a breath, I moved my legs slowly. It should be pretty late so I doubt anyone will be taking a stroll around the hallways right now, so I can just casually walk up the stairs into my dorm room.

Even though it's pretty safe, I still started to run up the stairs every time I could gather some energy. So much for just casually walking. But it helped me to warm up my body and also my feet. I could feel the coldness of the stone stairs against my soles and when I looked down, the protection shield was gone. Must be because I am out of reach for Ms. Do'or to be holding the spell. Luckily the whole building is being heated up for winter and even the floors are being warmed up a little bit, so having no shoes wasn't bothering me as much, even though I wouldn't recommend anyone to be just walking around barefoot in this old castle-type building.

I got to my dormitory without any hiccups. Maybe only a small one, since I met one of the professors I don't know yet walking through the hallway and he asked me what was I doing. I explained myself like Ms. Do'or told me to. The professor just nodded and then let me go while wishing me to feel better. Luckily he didn't notice that I have no shoes on. Now the next problem stands in front of me – the room door. I got transported or teleported or whatever without anything just my clothes so I don't have a key to enter my room. I didn't want to wake Reilly up but I don't really have a choice. I knocked on the door and waited. Nothing. I knocked again, little bit harder but still nothing. If I call out to Reilly through the door or make any louder noises, I risk waking up Saxa too and I definitely don't want to be blamed for ruining her beauty sleep or whatever but I also can't just spend the night sitting in the hallway and wait for Reilly to wake up and go attend the classes. I was going to knock again but then I remembered that Reilly is visiting her mom and she said that she won't be back until Monday morning. I groaned and tried to come up with a solution but my thoughts were interrupted by a muffled angry voice coming from Saxa's room. I did wake her up despite trying to be as quiet as possible. Dealing with her right now, looking like this, is going to be a pain the ass. I didn't wait a second and started to sprint out of the dormitory into the main corridor. I hid behind the corner and listened. Saxa opened her door and started to yell who dared to wake her up at basically no one. Then a sparks of lightning illuminated the hallway but she must have seen that the Zeus dormitory is empty so she went back inside her room while slamming the door behind her. I exhaled from relief that I didn't get caught by her but now the question is: where am I going to sleep tonight?

I sat on the stairs and thought about what to do. First option was to stay up whole night or at least the remaining hours, wait for Reilly and then get my stuff for classes. Second one was to kick out the door on my room but I am not Reilly and also kicking out a door barefoot will probably just hurt my feet. Also might wake up Saxa again so I quickly brushed that idea off. Third option is to crash at someone else's room. The most logical one would be my old room at Ossilor but I can't just pass the barrier like I want and also I can't stay at Aveus without permission and risk the energies to collide. Someone from Umbras it is then. I stood up and started to descend the stairs into another dormitory.

I don't know who to choose so I just walked. I am also getting tired so I just moved on autopilot until I found myself in the Chronos dormitory. Why I went here? No idea but I quickly realized where I am and then turned around to get out. From all of my friends at Umbras, I only know where Nima's room is so I decided to go to hers. I was almost out the Chronos dorm floor when a familiar voice greeted me.

Draco: Kaitlin? What are you doing here at this hour?

I looked up and scanned the male dressed in black tactical clothes. His red curly hairs were damped and sweat is still dripping down his forehead. Then another set of baggy pants followed him, a smaller and slimmer torso dressed in a tight black T-shirt that is also drenched in sweat. The blue-eyed quirky guy got surprised to also see me there but he called my name more enthusiastically, probably waking up the whole dorm by his loud voice.

Phoenix: KAITLIN IS HERE?

Me: Shhh, Phoenix. Don't be so loud, people are sleeping.

Draco: So what are you doing here? It's pretty late for a visit.

Me: I could say the same thing. Why are you two all sweaty, coming back from god knows where, dressed like you were on a mission?

Draco: Ladies first.

Me: Yeah, ladies first so Phoenix, tell me.

Phoenix: Hey! Very funny. And call me Nix, sweetie. We just got back from our combat training. Getting in a few extra hours you know. Your turn.

Me: Don't even let me start but right now, I need a place to crash tonight. I am locked out of my own room and Reilly is not here.

Phoenix: Unlucky. Well, you are welcome to sleep in ours if you want.

Me: I was thinking of going to Nima's room actually.

Draco: And wake her up while we are still awake? Just come to our room. It might not be so grand like yours but it serves the purpose.

I hated that Draco is right and that waking up Nima is a dumb move. I rolled my eyes and crossed arms in front of my chest as Draco and Phoenix walked past me. I stood on the spot and only turned to watch them go but Draco turned around and asked me if I am going or not. Better than sleeping in the hallway I guess. I sighed and then tried to catch up with the duo and follow them into their room.

Phoenix walked in front of us and went ahead to unlock the room while Draco walked next to me. He didn't ask any questions or speak at all but I could feel his gaze on me. I looked at him and he didn't avert his eyes at all. Instead he scanned me, noticing my dirty feet and then quickly looked up again. His golden brown orbs were practically shining in this dim hallway as he assessed what might have happened to me. But again, he said nothing, turned his head to watch in front of him and just walked in silence. I kept my eyes on his face that is covered in sweat. Also his black T-shirt, same as Phoenix's but more stretched around his big muscular body. They said that they were training but what type of time power would result in them looking like this?

Me: What training did you guys do?

Draco: We told you. Combat training. Not all of us have amazing fighting powers so we have to compensate in other areas.

Me: You are learinng how to fight? What for even?

Draco: Just in case. You never know where you will end up after graduation and it also serves as a good workout for us. They say you can do the training voluntarily but behind the scenes everyone knows that it's mandatory. Especially now, with the rising of riots from the society of expelled students.

Me: I heard about that. So we are expected to fight them?

Phoenix: Not necessarily but there has always been a hunger for more power and it's pretty bad recently. At the end, they want us all to be war-ready. Some will be on the front lines, probably you with your lightning powers, and us will be just supporting others on the battlefield if it comes to it. We still need to be able to fight though. But don't worry, sweetie, we got your back.

Phoenix joined our conversation as he waited for us with the open door into their room. I am still not sure if sleeping in the same room as two guys is a good idea but can't back out now. Phoenix let me pass first, then Draco trailed behind me and the last one to enter was Phoenix. The room was fully lightened up and another muscular body is walking inside the room with a towel twisted around his upper body and another towel in his hands, using it to dry up his golden curls. I screamed because I got surprised by the presence of another person and then quickly turned around, blushing.

Phoenix: We got company, Leo. You might want to put some clothes on because your Chronos sculpture-perfect body is flustering our Kaitlin here. She might devour you by the look on her face.

Me: No I will not!

Phoenix: I am joking, I am joking. Please don't blast me.

Phoenix threw up his hands into a defensive position and told me to calm down. At first I didn't understand why but I had an idea what is happening. My powers started to surge around my arms and I already knew it even before I checked it. I realized that there is a slight change, a feeling around my body when the powers are activated. One point for me to learning that I guess. Now I just need to learn how to control my powers to stop them before they even have a chance to act up. I took a few deep breaths while closing my eyes and trying to pull back the electricity crackles back into my body. When I opened my eyes, the powers were under control and I apologized to Phoenix. He brushed it off like it never happened and asked me to call him Nix again while Draco told him that he should be happy it was just this amount of my power and not what I used in the combat grounds. Phoenix shivered and then started to walk away in a weird way. He made a step, then dragged his other foot to the previous one, and repeated that while he remained turned towards me and his hands still in a defensive position.

Phoenix: You right, my bad. I know what you mean.

Phoenix then started to talk about that he went to check the combat grounds I used to release my power and he saw the scorch mark that hasn't been repaired yet. When he asked about it, Draco told him what happened. Phoenix still continued his ridiculous walk but then he let his arms fall next to his body and he grinned at me. He bursted out laughing and then disappeared into the bathroom. Draco chuckled from behind me and then also walked further into the dorm room, telling me to just find a place to sit down for now.

Their room was definitely smaller than mine and they had to share it between three people from what I've guess. There is one bed on the left side, facing with it's foot towards us and the door, the other two beds are placed horizontally and tugged away behind a corner on the right. Besides that, there is only one desk for studying next to the single bed, small table and one brown leather couch in the middle of the room. I walked towards the couch and seated myself while Leo went into a small room which is their closet in the same spot as in my room and Phoenix came out of the bathroom without his T-shirt. Luckily his pants are still on. He yelled at Leo to throw some spare clothes for him and then also picked up a towel from somewhere. Draco stopped him before he could return into the bathroom though and he pointed at my feet, saying that maybe I should just go wash up first and head to bed. Phoenix pouted at Draco and then tossed his sweaty T-shirt at his face. Draco didn't even budge, kept his hands inside his pockets and he let the T-shirt hit his face, then fall down on the ground.

Me: It's fine Draco. This is your room and I am imposing on you so I can wait. And like I said, ladies first.

Phoenix: Yooou.

Phoenix pointed with his finger at me and Draco only laughed. I could hear Leo laugh from inside the closet too. I stuck my tongue at Phoenix and then leaned back on the couch while crossing my legs. Phoenix noticed my dirty and bruised feet so he let me go first. More like insisted and ordered me to go wash fast so that they can patch up whatever cuts I have on my feet. Draco handed me a small towel and told me where I can find some soap or shower gel. He apologized that it's a male one so it won't smell like roses but it should do the trick anyway. I thanked them and quickly walked into the bathroom because Draco started to move towards me and judging by the look on his face, he planned on picking me up and carrying me into the bathroom. I jumped through the door frame and locked the door behind me.

All washed and clean, I sat down at the couch again and let Phoenix go take a shower. Leo is luckily already dressed and spread on his bed like a starfish. Draco brought a cup of team for me in the meantime and there is also a first aid kit waiting on the table. I grabbed the box and rummaged through it, searching for some ointment and band-aids. I didn't have many cuts on my soles but there was plenty for it to be patched up just by sticky band-aids so I took out two bandages and started to wrap them around my feet. It will cover the injuries and also act as socks. I was in the process of putting some disinfectant oil on the cuts and then bandaging my left foot when Draco came out of the bathroom. He swapped with Phoenix in the meantime as I drinked my tea. He was dressed in pyjama pants and a plain white T-shirt while he brushed his hair with a towel to dry them up. I stared at him while holding the bandage and pausing my wrapping. Draco noticed what I was doing and he gave me a disappointing look. He tossed the towel at Phoenix who is resting on his bed, the one on the left from the two that are in the right corner of the room. Phoenix grunted and tried to toss the towel back but Draco is already crouching in front of me so the towel just flew into the room and fell on the floor. Draco started unwrapping my foot while complaining about what a terrible job I did and that I probably wouldn't be a good nurse. I rolled my eyes at him but he didn't see that. He kept unwrapping until the whole bandage was down from my foot, then he rolled it back into it's previous state and started to wrap it around my foot again but in more precise motions, tighter and it looks like a real nurse did it. Didn't take him long and then he asked for my other foot so that he can treat it.

My feet were being warmed up by the bandage around them and also the ointment is doing it's thing but Draco still brought me a pair of socks. Male ones, probably his. They are bigger than mine and won't fit me but it's better than nothing. I took the grey socks Draco is holding in his hand and put them on top of the bandages.

Draco: Wanna tell me what happened to you?

Me: No idea. I went to sleep after watching Samhain celebration with Nima and then suddenly I woke up in the streets of New York.

Phoenix: Outside the academy? How the hell did you get out and moreover, how did you get back in?

Me: I don't know what happened but Ms. Do'or, this magic investigator, found me and helped me to get back without getting noticed so please, don't tell anyone about this.

Phoenix sprung on the bed and kneeled on his legs with and looked at me with a spark in his eyes that indicated his interest in this. Wish I had more answers than I have questions though. All I know is that I went to bed, had that recurring dream or memory and then I was teleported into the outside world. Doubt that it's a Zeus power so I might need to ask Ms. Do'or about it and what her thoughts are.

Draco left for a moment and grabbed a pillow from his bed. He placed the pillow on the couch and I thanked him because I thought it's for me, but he told me to take his bed and that he will sleep on the couch. I protested but Draco towered above me and told me that he will carry me into his bed if I don't go by myself. He knows that I would hate that so I complied and went to sleep in his bed while he tried to fit his huge body on the small leather couch. His feet are sticking out and a quarter of his body is outside the couch when he is lying on his back. It would be better if I was the one using the couch because I could fit on it but there is no way I will move Draco by myself or that he will stop being stubborn about it. The least I could do is give him his blanket. I took it from the bed and covered Draco's body. He sat up and told me that he is okay and I can take the blanket but I was already on my way to his bed, asking Phoenix if there is any spare blanket I could use. Phoenix quickly jumped and ran into the closet, returning with a thinner blanket, saying it's a summer one so that's why it's thinner but I didn't care, just thanked him. Draco is still sitting on the couch, staring at me but I only took the blanket to cover myself and wished everyone goodnight.

Despite being very much aware that I have three males sleeping in the same room, I fell asleep pretty fast and woke up the morning to shuffling noises and people whispering to each other. I sat up on the bed and ruffled through my hair while yawning. One of the guys pointed out that I am awake and it sounded like Phoenix, to which a second male apologized for waking me up and I recognized the voice as Draco's. Not that I could see any of them because I am still tired, sitting on the bed with my eyes closed and groaning because I wanted to sleep more. When I could finally open my eyes, there is a hand holding a mug with a steam coming out of it and I can only see the middle portion of their body. I looked up to be greeted with Leo's smiley face and his perfect golden curls. It's like I died and I just got greeted by an angel. Leo nudged the mug towards me slightly, telling me to take it even though he didn't speak a word which brings me to trying to remember if I even heard him talk at all.

Everyone in the room is almost done while I am still sitting under the blanket, sipping the hot tea Leo brought me. Phoenix is a burst of energy and I only shook my head at how he is ably to be so quirky this early in the morning. The sun is barely out from what I can see through the small window they have in their room so it means that it's very early, maybe six or seven in the morning. I had no clothes to change into even though Draco offered his, I doubt that I could fit any of his pants without them sliding down. I cleaned Draco's bed while Leo is packing his backpack and Phoenix is sitting on the couch with his legs crossed, leaning against the back of the couch and explaining that they have early class today. It made me think about my schedule which I have no idea what it looks like because I haven't received anything. I planned on returning the key from Professor Coldos' office first and from there just following Reilly to our classes since we are both first-years and she must have her class schedule from the start of the year. That was my best plan and I decided to go by it. I thanked the boys for letting me crash at their place and basically saving my ass from sleeping in the corridor, then left to go to my dorm and check if Reilly is back.

Everything is going well and smooth for now. As soon as I got in front of my room, Reilly was also returning from visiting her mom and she found me standing in the hallway just in my pyjamas and grey male socks. She raised her eyebrow while she checked my current state.

Reilly: What the hell are you doing Kaitlin? Where have you been like this?

Me: I locked myself out of the room so slept in Draco's room.

Reilly: Did you now?

Me: Don't even ask and open the door please for me, will you. I should get ready for classes and I have no idea about my schedule at all.

Reilly: Hmm.

Reilly hummed at me with a smirk and I rolled my eyes at her, telling her to stop that it's not at all what she is thinking. She gave me a doubting sure and then unlocked the door to our room. I didn't waste time and followed Reilly inside. She went to put away her bag while I made my way into the closet to quickly get dressed just in case there is an early class.

I swapped my pyjamas for light blue jeans, grey sweater and neatly tucked Draco's socks away on one of the shelves so that I can wash and return them later. When I left the closet, Reilly was already done preparing her backpack for school and is just lying on her bed while scrolling through her phone and typing something, probably into the groupchat. I asked Reilly about the schedule and what class is first because I don't mine yet. At first she looked confused and surprised.

Reilly: You don't have your own schedule?

Me: Well, I don have one for Aveus but after I transferred, there was The hunt and then The student's week-

Reilly: Oh yeah, yeah. I remember now. You were already out with Nima but as I was leaving, some envelope arrived and it had your name on it. I didn't open it and instead put it into the top drawer. Maybe it's the class schedule.

Me: Thanks. But wouldn't I have the same lessons as you since we are both in the same year?

Reilly: Not really. The general ones yeah, but we will be split for our descendant meetings and also for some other classes like Combats or Trials.

I found the envelope that Reilly mentioned in the drawer on top of my papers and notebooks. It contained a cardboard letter or a card which was clean but after I held it in my hands for a little bit, classes started to appear on it and revealed my schedule for this year. There is not as many different classes as we had at Aveus but instead they are longer. I saw the ones Reilly mentioned – Combats and Trials. I can sorta imagine what Combats is going to be about and I already know where that class is going to take place. I just hope that it's not going to be the one with the scorch mark I created and then it will be also tied to me because people talking about me and spreading rumors is the last thing I want right now. There is also History and Controlling but for the second one I see two different symbols. I walked towards Reilly and sat next to her on the bed, showing her the card and asking her about the symbols.

Reilly: Oh, Controlling is a class where they teach you about your powers and stuff but it's mostly like meetings with the other descendants from your god line. This one is for Zeus.

Me: Great, so I will have to meet up with Saxa almost every day and try to survive the class.

Reilly: From what I've heard, the main gods Controlling classes are pretty chill and they are not even taking it seriously. Usually they don't even attend it and if they do, everyone is just hanging out with their friends while the teacher does their own thing. I doubt that Saxa is paying attention to that class and attends it anyway.

Me: She seems to proud and entitled to be taking advices from others so I might get lucky and she won't be there. And the other one?

Reilly: Hmm. This is weird.

Me: What is? Why?

Reilly: Well, this symbol is for Athena but why would they assign you to their class?

Me: Mr. Hale.

I guess this means that he finally won his argument with Principal Haydos about him being able to do the research of the block in my mind and also continuing to be my Help. I felt a little bit happy about being able to meet with him again but there was also something making my chest feel heavier too. He acted so weird during my Overflowing and just left like we are total strangers.

Reilly: There is also a letter attached to the schedule, did you notice that?

I quickly took the folded piece of paper that was stuck on the other side of the card and read it. It was a notification about the ban but it wasn't what I hope for. Apparently, they are assigning the role of Help to someone else and the ban is still in hold. The only exception is me attending Mr. Hale's class meetings where he can do his research about the block, other private meetings are forbidden. It was written and signed by Principal Haydos who gave me an open hand to choose a Help for myself, if I want. It can be one of the students or other professors but they need to pass through some conditions. If I am not able to find one, they will assign someone instead of Mr. Hale and then notify me with the identity of my Help after. At first, I thought that Reilly could be my Help, but she seems to be busy and worrying about her mom and the situation at the Ahris HQ so I didn't want to add to her problems and assign her as my babysitter. I took the schedule with the letter and went to put it on my desk. I put the letter into the drawer but pinned the card on the board above my table so that I can easily see my classes every morning. With the Help situation, I decided to ask someone else. Maybe Nima or Gaia could do it. Right now, I have to find the first class on the list, which is Controlling for Athena descendants.

I asked Reilly if she knows where I should go for the class and luckily she knew exact room, which is right next to the one for Ares descendants. Apparently they sometimes share the classes together and go over some warfare stuff and strategies. I still had to go return the key to Professor Coldos so I let Reilly go ahead and that I will catch up with her. If not, we can meet up after the class and go together to combat grounds for the next lesson.

It is still early so I hoped that Professor Coldos will still be in his office on the Umbras side and haven't left for Aveus already. The office is on the exact same spot as on the other half so I had no problems finding it and as I got there, I met with Professor Coldos who was just leaving his office. I greeted him and then rummaged through my bag to get his key and give it back to him. Professor Coldos thanked me for returning the key and being so prompt with it, and also that I didn't break any of the rules that he set.

Professor Coldos: It was a pleasure working with you, Ms. Holland. If you have any questions or want to work on the Noion books, you are more than welcome to come visit me again. Now if you excuse me, I have to go prepare for my classes.

Me: Yes, sure, professor. And thank you for choosing me for The student's week. I learned a lot thanks to you and the new books you acquired.

Professor Coldos only nodded and then left. I remained standing on the same spot while adjusting the backpack on my shoulders before I started moving too and go search for the classroom. Reilly said that it's on the second floor, north wing and third door on the left. So I walked slowly while following her directions. I got to the spot but the doors were placed so weirdly around this maze of connected hallways and corners, I can't discern which one is first, second and so on. Luckily the doors have small golden emblems on them with an etched carving. Each symbol is different and I can't recognize any of them or what they mean except the one that is the same one I saw on the schedule card – Athena symbol. Before I could knock on the door, my stomach grumbled and I wished that we went to eat breakfast first but Reilly said there is usually food for the Controlling classes so we don't have to. She did tell me to eat as much as possible though, because Combats can be hell and hard on stamina sometimes. I took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, then inhaled through my mouth as I tried calm myself down and then I knocked on the door.

I waited for someone to tell me to come in from behind the door but nothing. Instead the door opened, revealing Mr. Hale dressed in his casual attire of black suit pants, white shirt and black vest. His hair are let completely free today, no bun or ponytail, but he still looks good. I couldn't make myself speak up and all the words like good morning or hello Mr. Hale are stuck inside my throat. Luckily, Mr. Hale broke the awkward silence.

Mr. Hale: Good morning, Ms. Holland. I am so glad that you found your way to us. Come and join the class. We are still waiting for other students to arrive but you are welcome to sit and help yourself with the food.

Mr. Hale stepped aside and motioned with his right arm for me to come in. I entered slowly and scanned the room first, then people. Ms. Holland? Since when did he stopped using just my name? Didn't matter though because it is probably just because other students are here and he doesn't want to sound familiar with me. I greeted everyone and then searched for a place to sit. The room is a medium sized square room with bookshelves, few tables and chairs scattered around the room and a portable chalk board in the left corner. There is also a coat hanger with already a few jackets hanging on it. The whole Umbras half is in gold and white tones which right now it makes me feel a little bit cold, distant. Two of the five tables are covered with food, drinks and a stack of empty glasses. There is also a pitcher with a dark red steaming liquid which I guess is tea and a few mugs placed bottom up in front of it. Two students are hovering around the tables, taking pieces of fruit on their plates or eating straight out of the bowl that's on the table. The guy who is busy eating the cut up fruit is not paying attention to anyone at all while the female who is sitting next to the table looked at me. She is dressed nicely in tight navy blue dress, sitting straight with her legs tugged slightly under the chair, like a proper lady. If it was just her, you would think this is some rich people meeting or hangout. But based on the others who were just chatting while holding their plates or walking around the room taking out books, checking and then putting them back immediately, I started to feel less preassured and I could take down the guards I put around myself. My stomach grumbled again after seeing all that fresh food prepared just for us so after Mr. Hale pointed me towards it and told me not to hold back, eat as much as I want. I walked towards the food table. I greeted the two students who are currently eating there. The girl didn't even look at me and continued enjoying her strawberries but the guy who is stuffing his cheeks directly from the bowl finally stopped and noticed me. He greeted me with his mouth full, his cheeks puffed like a squirrel and spitting a little bit the fruit juice. The girl once scoffed, stood up and left to go browse books too.

Male Athena student: Sorry about her. She is just all about etiquette and all that stuff. I couldn't care less when I am hungry.

Me: It's alright. I am glad that you are enjoying the food. Would you mind if I also get something? Haven't eaten today and I have Combats afterwards.

Male Athena student: Not at all. Even though I don't recommend eating too much for Combats. If someone punches your stomach, you will throw it all out.

Me: Really? My friend told me to eat as much as I can.

Male Athena student: Doesn't sound like a good friend then.

Me: Reilly is my best friend since forever. I doubt that she would want me suffer.

Male Athena student: Oh, shoot. Reilly Sutton? That Ares descendant? Then she might be right. Eat up. Yall Ares ones are really bottomless pits for food. But what are you doing in Controlling for Athena descendants then? Yo, Professor Hale, are we having co-op class again?

Mr. Hale: Not today, Bryant.

Me: Actually, I am a Zeus descendant.

Bryant: Then what are you doing here? Did you get lost?

Me: Nope. I got assigned to this class.

Mr. Hale: Ms. Holland is correct.

Bryant: Holland? Oh that misplaced one.

After this guy Bryant pointed out that I am the one student that got misplaced, the whole attention in the room turned to me. Luckily, Mr. Hale joined the conversation and explained that I will be attending these classes only for the purpose to catch up with the basics and stuff I missed while I was at Aveus. Nothing about the block but he did use my name when he explained what I am doing here, not the "Ms. Holland", which made me a little bit happy so I chuckled to myself.

Bryant: Ugh, having to study more must be such a pain the ass. Anyway, eat up gal, cos your friend is right. You gon be assigned to the active combat grounds and use your powers so the food will do ya good.

Female Athena student: Bryant! Can you at least speak like a normal person?

Bryant: Sure thing, Ann. That's why I love you.

Me: Siblings?

Ann: Engaged, sadly.

My eyes opened wide because we are so young and they are already engaged and also because their personalities are total opposites. Ann went back to browsing her books while Bryant dragged me closer to the table and started pointing out which food is delish according to him and which I should avoid because it might give me stomach ache during Combats.

I picked a few foods that Bryant recommended and then chose the rest myself. I enjoyed the food and it tasted really good. I wondered if I have to pay for it so I asked but Ann only scoffed while Bryant had a good laugh, then he told me that it's free, every class. I apologized and explained that I have no idea how the school works since I lived the way I lived and it shocked Bryant. Ann seemed to open up a little bit too and she sat with us at the food table. She didn't speak to us though but I was glad that she is at least not acting so mighty, like Saxa would. Most of the conversation I held was with Bryant even though more and more students started to come in and talk to us. I didn't want to pry but I was curious about why they got engaged so young. It was the first time Ann spoke directly to me and then explained that this class is for all descendants, not just first-years. Bryant and Ann are apparently in their last year which means they are about twenty two or twenty three and also their families know each other. They basically grew up together and getting engaged was the next logical step, and none of the families opposed.

Others introduced themselves too but then left to do their own thing or get ready for the class. Apparently everyone is already here so they can start the lesson. They are going to discuss their powers and how to use them, or for which position to apply after graduation so this class isn't usefull to me. Mr. Hale, instead of just sitting and being bored, asked me to write down a list of questions I have and then we can go over them in the next class. The students in the classroom also told me that they will help me out if they know the answers, which they probably do because of their powers like enhanced memory and such. I agreed because that's a better start than just throwing random books at me and be just studying things when there might be some basics that I need to know first, like the one with the bank account. But first, I wanted to listen to what Reilly recommended and stuff myself with the food available.

After I was so full that I could barely move, my pants felt too tight around my waist and I was dozing off into the food coma, I took out a notebook with a pen and started to think about what I should know about the school or powers and such. I didn't know where to start at first but then I remembered some of the things and I started to write down a list:

How often should I release my powers to prevent Overflow.

How can I leave academy grounds?

Where can I buy things that are running out like beauty products, or new clothes?

Do I have to return the money to school after I graduate if I don't use it all?

How am I immune to my own powers?

What is difference between demigods and magicians, and why is it that they can't they have children together?

Are there other dimensions that our world and AU Academy grounds?