Chapter 29: Too Many Unanswered

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- Nya's POV -

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"Are you sure?" I asked the librarian, again, after I have already received several very clear replies that she definitely was.

She nodded, her patience with me running thin. "Yes, Miss Analove. The book you are speaking of is strictly not allowed for student borrowing."

I clenched my fists. Of course, of course - when I finally get a lead on something, it turns to a dead end. That's my luck described in one sentence.

The book Clare had borrowed multiple times, Myths and Legends, belonged to the restricted section of the library. It meant only staff could gain access to it. Clare had obviously used Mind Manipulation to get the book - but had forgotten to check the records which clearly stated she had borrowed it. The libraian that let her borrow the book was under Clare's power, shich meant she had no problem with Clare borrowing books from the restricted section. A careless and costly mistake - now I was right on her trail.

But first, I needed to get past this libraian.

"But, Ma'am, Mr Ranger specifically asked me to -"

"- I don't doubt you, Miss Analove, but it's school policy. I at least need a note from him. Do you have such a thing?" she asked me, raising one eyebrow.

I bit my lip. "No, ma'am. I don't."

She smiled kindly. "Well, once you do have the note, you can come and borrow the book you're asking for."

I nodded and pulled a fake grin, saying quick goodbyes to Mrs Quest and hurried outside where Zach was leaning against the doorway, waiting. He pulled his infamous crooked grin as I walked past, and matched his steps with mine.

"So? Did you find the book?" He asked, keeping in step.

"Nope. Unfortunately, she said I needed a note signed by a teacher."

"Damn," he cursed. Then his expression changed to one of thought. "Which teacher do you reckon would do that for us?"

"Not Mr Ranger, that's for sure." I answered. He flashed a smile.

"Count out Mr Kingsley. I don't think he'd help anyone if given the chance."

"Maybe Mrs Kelly'll give me permission. I mean, she is an English professor, so she should be encouraging reading and stuff." I stated, thinking aloud.

Zach reached over and took my hand in his. I felt my cheeks redden. "It's worth a shot."

The Expert Class had their training on today at the same time as my archery. So we both walked together, hand in hand, towards the Weaponry Wing. We talked the whole way - mostly about what we thought the book contained and why Clare had borrowed it so often. Eventually, we reached the Arena, and Zach kissed me before saying goodbye and heading towards where his class was waiting. I waved to them, then turned to the Wing and walked inside. My archery class was hanging around the centre.

Jordan, Mackenzie and Gemma were waiting for me. Gemma had an excited, urgent look on her face, which I immediately translated to "Oh my Notch, Nya, guess what I heard from so and so this morning!" Gemma was always the one from our group to keep up with the gossip.

Mackenzie and Jordan were chatting with each other before I reached them. But before I could friendlily interrupt their conversation Gemma was in my face (well, at least, as much as her height allowed her to) and practically yelling.

"Oh my Notch, Nya, guess what I heard from Anna this morning!" she was saying. I felt momentarily proud.

"What?" I asked her, grabbing her wrists in an attempted to stop her arms from flailing around in excitement.

"She said that Leo said that Ava heard from Matthew who was told by Alissa that there's a new kid joining the archery class today!"

"Chill, Gem. Deep breaths," I counselled by friend who was having difficulty sucking in oxygen. Then she spluttered, "I heard that his friend is a friend of a friend of Jordan!"

Mackenzie suddenly joined the conversation. "I wonder what he's like?" she inquired to no one in particular.

Gemma started blurting nonsense - again. Third time in a few minutes. Must've broken some kind of record. "OH MY NOTCH PLEASE DO NOT GET ME STARTED! WHAT IF HE'S, LIKE, ACTUALLY SOME KIND OF FAMOUS PERSON? HOLY MOTHER OF CREEPERS, WHAT IF HE'S ADAM OR TY? OMN MACKENZIE PLEASE SUPPORT ME THROUGH THIS."

To someone she didn't know well, Gemma was quiet, hard, and shy. To her best mates, she was a very unstable fangirl - something she isn't afraid to publicly display in front of us.

Mr Slayer came through the front doors of the Weaponry Wing, wearing a simple white tee and gray tracks. Thank Notch he hasn't decided to go Herobrine and put on a cyan shirt this time. I still remember fainting at the sight of him on the first day (the memories make me flinch). Trailing behind him was a boy in a dark hoodie that was pulled over his head. I could feel the class's curiosity grow.

Once he knew the class's attention was on him as he stood at the front of the group, Mr Slayer began speaking.

"Archers, there is a new student who is joining this course. He will be here for the rest of the year, and do an extra semester next year to make up for the time and work he has missed. Mr Machia*, step forward."

The hoodie boy stepped out from behind Mr Slayer to face the class. "Please pull your hood down, Mr Machia." Mr Slayer asked.

He did so. He had brown hair that was rather wavy, and his eyes were jade green. Not the celebrity Gemma had hoped for, but she didn't seem too disappointed. His gaze scanned the crowd, and I swear that he stared at me for a little longer than necessary. There was something strangely familiar about him, somehow, the way he measured my classmates with a single glance each. The way that, although he seemed like a hoodie-wearing type, his back was as straight as a pole, eyes as hard as stone . . .

"Introduce yourself," Mr Slayer encouraged.

The boy began speaking without hesitation. "Alex Machia. Eighteen-going-on-nineteen. Archery, Civil History and chemistry major." He smiled, and that smile sent shivers up my spine - but I don't know why. It had been an ordinary, childish grin, one belonging to a seemingly normal teenager.

Mr Slayer moved on quickly, starting the lesson straight after Alex's brief introduction. A group of my classmates immediately began conversing with Alex, but I couldn't shake off the weird, nervous feeling that I was beginning to hate.

Class was a breeze. Simple target practice. Jordan and I talked most of the time. He was a real good guy to hang around with.

When the prac lesson was over, I walked outside and watched Zach finish the last of his training. He was fighting Ethan, and he was good. Ethan seemed to be having a pretty hard time trying to defend himself from Zach's blows, but still a much better job than what I would've done. I'm still working on my sword play skills.

Once Zach finished, we met up and walked back towards the dorms. I planned to visit my parents tonight - as I've been doing quite often since the "accident" - and head back to campus at nine. I resisted the urge to go and ask Mrs Kelly about the library note now. She'd probably already left for home, considering it's almost six in the evening. It's been a long day.

Zach and I spilt up again to go to separate dorms. I got to mine but didn't stay for long - just grabbed an apple for Aphrodite and a cookie for myself. Before I could leave, however, I was promptly bumped into by Clare. This day just got even longer.

"Hey there, Nya," she said, smirking. "How's school life going?"

A burning rage suddenly swept through me like a wildfire - images of Tali being forced to kill herself, of Tali lying in her own blood, of Tali dead, of her funeral and my grief-stricken parents - rushed through my mind faster than I could fully comprehend. This was all her fault.

"Get out of the way." I growled, slamming her to the side so that I could pass. She looked taken aback for a split second before regaining her calm exterior. "Someone's in a bad mood, eh?" she laughed, but it was cold.

"You'll be in an even worse mood when I'm done with you, Jones." I practically hissed. For a moment, she looked startled; but it flew over fast.

She grinned widely. "Ooh, threats? I didn't think you were the type to hand those out, Nya."

"Yeah, well, you aren't the best judge of character."

And with that, I turned and walked down the hallway, away from Clare, trying to sort through my loud storm of strong emotions.

*after the trip to Nya's parent's house*

Mother and father weren't getting better. I had arrived at seven, only to await my mother's tear-stained face greeting me at the front door. Dad wasn't much better - he hadn't cried yet today, but he still held the weathered worn-down look in his eyes that hadn't gone away for a week. It hadn't even faded slightly.

I've found it makes it better by talking to them - about uni, classes, Zach, anything and everything. It's almost like they can get their minds of their plummeting thoughts for a little while.

I've laid down in my bed now, but I can't concentrate. Just a second ago, Clare came into the dorm room to check if Emerald and I were asleep (I wasn't, she was - I faked it). When she figured we were both deep under, she went back outside, just beyond the door. It didn't take me long to realise she was talking to another person. I tried harder to listen in on their hushed midnight conversation.

"Is it ready yet?" Clare was asking someone.

The other person answered with "Nearly. Joining this school was an excellent idea, Clare - so much easier to access places. Although, this body is rather annoying to remain in."

"Sorry, sir. It was the only 18-year-old I could find on such short notice. And at least it's only temporary."

"You've done a good job so far, Clare. It won't be long now until we've had our revenge."

There was a slight hesitation from Clare. "Yes, sir. I can't wait."

Another short silence. "I'll see you soon, Clare."

There was a sound of fading footsteps, and then the other voice was gone. Clare slipped back into the room, completely unaware I had listened the entire time.

I drifted off into an uneasy sleep, my mind plagued with questions. What does it mean, annoying body to stay in? Why Clare's hesitation? And what is "nearly ready"?

One of the questions that I did know the answer of was "who was the other voice". It was Herobrine, no doubt about it - the way Clare was treating him with respect and the mention of the revenge.

But there were still too many unanswered to be able to piece together the puzzle.

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*Machia is Italian, therefore is pronounced "Mack-ee-uh"

I'm going to be frank with you guys. I've been having issues lately - some school related, some not. I makes finding time to write difficult, and I'm sorry if my updates are too slow for you. Just remember that I do try.

Any predictions? Feel free to comment :)

QOTD: How old are you guys? I'm turning 14 in April... So not too long ;)

- Jazz