this is actually hella fucking long bc it was a full out book I ended up unpublishing but uh here we go anyways I haven't proofread SHIT tho so I might regret this
——-
"And you have your communication stones?"

"Yes, Haha. I'm using them to speak to you now."

"Why are you laughing at your mom?"

Catriona Hadosai was a transfer student.

Not just any transfer student, mind you. She was destined for great things, even if it meant leaving her beloved mountain home back in Japan to move to the fairly busy city of Frendele.

It was no Tokyo, but it sure seemed to come close to it.

Currently, she was speaking to a small set of stones enchanted to connect with another set. The other set, currently being in her mother's possession.

She sat on a small bed with simple coverings. Only temporarily, she had been told, until she had gotten to the big city herself.

Across the very small cabin, another transfer student sat.

She was also female, with shimmering lilac hair and gorgeously sea-blue eyes. With her skin pale and elegant, she was a natural beauty.

A slightly different beauty than Catriona, who, although also pale with blue eyes, had golden-brown hair in two low buns.

Her roommate for the time being was Annabelle, a traditional girl from Ireland with a spunky attitude that was the complete opposite of what Catriona was used to.

"Goodbye, Haha. I have to go. I'll talk to you soon." Catriona waved, before closing the crystals into a bag, sighing, and gently laying back on her metal bed.

She felt the large boat sway and Rock with the waves, taking a peek over at Annabelle.

"I went to Frendele. Once when I was a child. Have you ever been?"

"No. I've spent my entire life in Japan."

"What's Japan like?" Annabelle smiled fondly. Her eyes twinkled as she adjusted herself to face Catriona.

"Japan?" Catriona frowned. "Well.... It's beautiful, to be fair... It's an island... ... I used to live on a mountain with all of my siblings.... But now, Because of the transfer program, I'm going to Frendele and I'll be in a paid-for apartment."

"Nice! My turn!" Annabelle grinned brightly, tying her hair back with a ribbon. "If you couldn't already tell from the pictures, Frendele is huge! It is a country, yes, But some of the main cities are huge! I still remember visiting Rialian! It's the largest of them all! There are so many lights, and colors, and sights, and sounds! Augh, It was wonderful! I can't wait to go back!!!"

"So this transfer program is bringing students from all over the world, huh?" Catriona smiled.

"Yes! From Everywhere! Spain, Japan, China, Russia, Scotland, You name it!" Annabelle bounced.

"I've always wanted to meet a Brit." Catriona admitted. "I heard the accent when I was a young girl and instantly became entranced."

"If you ask me, they can be vile entitled brats if you provoke them just right. I have a British cousin. Worst man I've ever met."

"Perhaps that is just your cousin. Maybe somewhere out there.... There's a British man who's just the opposite."

"Are you implying somewhere out there is a kind, considerate, smart, gentleman Brit?"

"Maybe... Perhaps. Just perhaps there is."

"Catriona, I would be glad to provide you guidance and protection as you explore this new world outside of your mountain home."

Catriona sighed, turning onto her side to face Annabelle, who was now braiding her hair.

"I would enjoy that very much, Annabelle. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Catriona."

——
Catriona stared up at the blue skies above the dock.

Annabelle stood next to her, waiting among hundreds of other students with their baggage to be transported to their new homes.

"I wonder what kind of family I'll be stuck with." Annabelle wondered. "Maybe they'll have a cute son."

"I was told I would be homing with a friendly elderly couple." Catriona smiled. "I can't wait. I never knew my grandparents."

"Did they pass before you were born?"

"Yes."

They had been killed when the village below Catriona's home caught on fire the first time, to be truthful.

"Well, I hope we have similar schedules, Catriona. It was really fun getting to know you!" Annabelle smiled.

"RED GROUP PLEASE FOLLOW ME TO THE BUS. RED. GROUP." An older woman shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth.

"Well, Gotta go. See ya!" The bright purplette waved with a smile, running as fast as her legs could carry her to a bright red double-decker bus.

"Good-bye." Catriona gently waved.

"AND WILL ORANGE GROUP PLEASE FOLLOW ME! ORANGE! GROUP!"

Catriona smiled as she picked up her bags, and set forth.

~~~

Catriona stood with her head tilted back, observing the two story house she would be in for the remainder of the school year.

The family that lived here was claimed to be the Kirks. A Pleasant elderly couple who housed exchange children in substitute of their own kids and grandkids.

She gently knocked on the door, practically leaping backwards as it swung open to reveal a young girl, about her own age, with flowing Onyx hair and sparkling Sea-green eyes.

"Hello? I'm Catriona Hadosai. I've come to live under the care of the Kirks-" Catriona began, before the girl abruptly cut her off.

"GRAMS! GRAMPS! SHE'S HERE!" She shouted into the house, before turning back to Catriona and pulling her in by the hand, closing the door and locking it.

Catriona stared up at the steps, as a black couple who could only be in their late 40s gently walked down the steps. Their clothes were coordinated pastels, hair being a fresh salt-and-pepper mix.

"Oh, You must be Catriona!" The woman smiled. "I'm Mrs. Kirk! And this is my Husband, Mr.Kirk!"

"Oh. Well, Hello, Mrs.-"

"Please, Call me Gramma. You must be exhausted and starved. Come, I just made lunch!"

"Oh, That's alright-"

"You're better off at least eating a little. If there's anything I've learned from 54 years of marriage, it's that she adores feeding people." Mr.Kirk smiled gently, following his wife with the help of a cane that had been resting on the stairs.

Catriona looked back at the tanned teenager that had greeted her.

"Zianna! Zianna Masnusil. Unusual, I know. I'm an exchange student just like you!" Zianna introduced.

"Oh... It's.. a pleasure to meet you, Zianna."

"Same to you, Catriona! Let me take you bags. I'll show you your room after you've eaten!"

~~~~~

To be clear, The Kirks were not in their late 40s.

Mrs.Kirk was 59, and Mr.Kirk was 63.

Talk about Black Magic.

Catriona had been stuffed to the brim, Mrs. Kirk not having found her incredibly skinny build satisfying for someone living under her own roof.

She learned Zianna was quite nice, and intended to befriend Catriona closely so as to form a realistic sisterly bond.

"Oh, Would you look at the time. How about you girls go to sleep? I'll wake you up tomorrow with the smell of my cooking!" Mrs. Kirk giggled, standing up to nudge her sleeping husband awake to follow her upstairs.

"C'Mon, Cat! I'll show you your room!" Zianna bounced, grabbing the other's hand and dragging her up the stairs.

"Cat?" Catriona murmured, never having had someone call her that.

"Oh, Is it already if I call you that? Assigning nicknames is kinda my thing." Zianna giggled as she pushed open the door at the end of the hall.

Catriona stepped in to find pleasing decor. Cherry Blossom-Designed bedspread and sheets, pastel pink curtains, and a fluffy flower rug. A desk sat in front of a window that had the blinds shut, Drawer handles peeking out from under the Comforter that was on the bed, directly across the room from the closet.

"Yes... That's alright...." Catriona whispered in amazement as she ventured into the room, her socked feet instantly warming up when she stepped on the rug.

"Wonderful!" Zianna clapped. "Here, I'll think of something you can call me tonight.... And Catriona?"

Catriona turned around to look at Zianna.

"Thank you for agreeing to be my friend. I can be loud and kind of annoying sometimes.... But I'm glad you saw through that."

"Oh.... You're welcome?"

Zianna giggled, waving Catriona another Goodnight before shutting the door.

It was then Catriona realized.

She had never been pointed to the bath Creek.

Did the Kirks even have one?

——-
Turns out, Bathing Creeks weren't something people had in Frendele.

Instead, they had things called bathrooms that had smaller things called showers and bathtubs.

Mrs. Kirk and Zianna were delighted at Catriona's childish wonder at indoor plumbing.

Though you couldn't blame the girl, She had literally lived in a rock her whole life.

"I'm so excited for our first day of school! How about you, Catriona??" Zianna bounced around in a very colorful outfit.

"Oh... I'm.... Excited as well." Catriona smiled gently. She felt quite plain standing next to Zianna in her lime-green shorts, bright red blouse, and rainbow high-tops. An outfit on a completely different level than Catriona's simple gray blouse and long dark blue skirt.

"Oh, C'mon! Where's your sense of fun?! First impressions are vital in highschool. You look like you're wearing your Sunday best! Here, I'll help you get dressed better."

Five minutes later, Catriona was wearing a navy blue knee-length plaid skirt, White button-up with 3/4 sleeves, and silvery flats. She had a black choker with a little bell, and several butterfly clips in her hair, which had been pulled back into a high ponytail.

"Zianna! Catriona!! Get down here!!"

"COMING, GRANNY!!" Zianna squealed back, Completely overstimulated.

Catriona kicked her door shut, And took out the butterfly clips. She shook her head, allowing the feathering of several pieces of hair to frame her face. She took out the high ponytail, which threatened to give her a migraine, and instead styled it in a low side-braid. Just to keep Zianna happy, she decorated it with butterfly clips when she had finished.

The black choker had a small ying-yang on it, and Catriona quietly smiled.

"I'll keep you in my Heart, Haha." She whispered, Grabbing her Backpack and walking downstairs.

Zianna's backpack was wildly decorated with many charms, stickers, and patches. One patch was labeled "JANSPORT" But Catriona truly had no idea what it meant.

"Are you ready?? Awh, You took my decorations off. You still look cute as a button, Though!" Zianna giggled, hugging Catriona tightly before turning to face Mr. And Mrs. Kirk, Bidding them goodbye before dragging Catriona out the door.

"I don't know what school is like in Japan. Is it fun? I've always wanted to go. Everything there seems so cute and adorable and friendly and fun!! Is it really?? Not to be a weeaboo, But I know a lot. What can you tell me??" Zianna Questioned with a huge smile. Catriona sighed, preparing herself to answer.

"Unfortunately, I've been homeschooled in a m-.... In the country most of my life..." Catriona almost slipped. "I don't know much about Japanese popular culture. But I can tell you about Traditional culture."

"Please, Do." Zianna's wide grin faded gently into a faint smile, As she carefully listened to her new found friend happily discuss her Homeland.

——
Catriona couldn't believe how loud, noisy, and big public schools were. Much bigger than the village Below her old home, which she still thought to be pretty huge.

Guess everything is huge when you've lived in the same mountain your whole life.

"Here, I'll help show you." Zianna smiled, pointing as various groups of people.

"The Jocks, Geeks, Nerds, Popular Crowd, Punk Kids, Weeaboos, and the giant crowd of loners."

Catriona looked at each unique and diverse group, her heart doing a small flutter at all the energy.

"Oh my god Catriona I just spotted Husband Material." Zianna squealed quietly.

Catriona followed where she was looking and saw a tall, Asian boy. His hair was cut just at his jawline. Tanned skin, Vivid Green eyes, Dark brown hair. Muscles. Sharp Jawline.

She suppose she couldn't judge. She was fully Japanese with Blue eyes and Golden Brown hair. Plus, she had lived in a mountain her whole life with only a village below to observe from. How was she to know what Common Japanese features were?

"Are you going to talk to him?" Catriona smiled. "Or would you like me to help?"

"I would love if you could help." Zianna hugged Her. Catriona grabbed her friend's hand, and pulled her closer, before letting her go to approach the Boy who now was viewer to be a few inches taller than her.

Catriona bowed at the waist, before straightening with a smile.

"Ohayō gozaimasu. I'm Catriona Hadosai An exchange student from Japan."

The boy turned around, pausing for a moment before giving her a huge smile.

"I'm Vlyirgo Alvi. I'm from China." He greeted, his accent thick, his eyes warm. He shook Catriona's hand, before giving her a fist bump.

"When in other countries, Do as they Do. That's what my father said before I left. Maybe we can learn together." He offered.

"Maybe we could!" Catriona beamed, turning ever so slightly to gesture to Zianna to make her entrance.

Zianna walked up, and waved at Vylirgo.

"This is my friend, Zianna. Zianna, this is Vylirgo."

"Hello, Vylirgo. It's so nice to meet you." Zianna greeted, While he smiled back and Began a conversation with her.

Catriona backed away with a smile, happy to help her friend. She turned around and kept walking until she was by a tree, to which she slung her back into the branches and climbed in.

It was a moment before Zianna noticed her friend was gone. Another moment before she spotted Catriona waving from her branch.

Another moment before The entire courtyard became quiet.

Curious, Catriona pushed a branch aside to watch a group of students arrive in freshly pressed suits and uniforms, dark jeans and flannels, and jumpers with sweaters.

"It's the British crowd." A few girls near the tree muttered among themselves, giggling.

Zianna had begun to stare too, Just as the bell rang, and the courtyard broke into madness.

Every student made a mad dash for the front doors, turning the courtyard into an empty lot in seconds.

Zianna groaned, Which made Vylirgo laugh.

"C'mon, Catriona. We'll be late for class." He beckoned, and she joined the three.

Catriona felt something inside her heart. And the she just knew it in her mind.

They would be an unstoppable trio.

—-
In First Period English, Catriona was the only Asian.

Also in first period English, There were like fifteen weeaboos.

Catriona accidentally opted for a window seat in the back, which instantly caused an uproar from all of them. It took the teacher half the period to make them calm down.

After it was over, She couldn't wait for Second Period Social studies, Which she would share with Vylirgo.

They were placed in different desk groups, but at least they shared the class.

Third period art was insanity. Catriona got stuck in a class of Hippies with Zianna and Vylirgo and it practically drove her mad.

And then came Fourth period Science.

Probably Catriona's favorite.

She was seated nice to a calm boy with black hair and glasses. She could tell he was one of the Brits from earlier. Dark blue Button-down and jeans. She couldn't see his eyes, As he was intently studying his textbook, but felt a good vibe from him.

"Alright, Class!!" The teacher announced, in the same tone every other teacher had. "I'm going to be calling out your names to ensure you are all here and in the right class!!"

It was by First names, as Catriona was called in the first five. She payed close attention to everyone's name, wanting to remember them for at least this period.

And then she heard his name.

"Graymor Si...sin... Sinnianco?"

"Sinnincox." He corrected, looking up at the teacher. Catriona almost lost her breath at his striking gray eyes. They were like the Iron Catriona's brothers sometimes brought from the deep caves to show her when she was younger. The storm clouds on a rainy day. Silver of her Mother's brooch. Steel like the needles she used to sew.

He glanced over at her, and for a moment, she felt her heart truly stop until he looked back down at his book.

At Fifth period, Study Hall, Catriona left the room in a rush, Practically collapsing into Zianna's arms.

"I think the boy that sits next to me in Science put a curse on me." She squeaked.

"What?" Vylirgo laughed quietly, but stopped when Zianna shot him a look.

"What do you mean?" Zianna Questioned, though she was fighting back her own smile.

"W-well.... Uhm...." Catriona began, wringing her hands. "I was sitting next to him, and then I had this weird feeling inside, and then when he looked at me I felt myself go numb and start to black out! My face got all hot and...." She started as they walked to Study Hall.

She stopped.

It was the boy again.

Graymor, if she was correct.

Which she was, of course.

"Graymor Sinnincox? He's in my first period Physical Education Class." Vylirgo raised an eyebrow, chuckling.

"Oh my God. No way. You have a crush!!" Zianna laughed. "Look at you. The last person I would expect to fall in love on first sight! And here you are! Blushing red and frozen in fear!"

"Shut up shut up shut up. Please." Catriona squeaked, Diving behind a Bookshelf, as Study Hall was just a small room in the Library.

"It looks like he's gone over to the gemstone books. Use that as a conversation starter." Zianna offered. "Actually, Here. I'll get you back for helping me earlier." She smiled, before walking away to start talking with Graymor.

She came back furious, shaking red with anger.

"That guy is such a jerk! You like him because you haven't said a word to him!" Zianna shrieked.

"What happened?" Vylirgo frowned.

"I introduce myself, Offer friendship, and he calls me a stereotypical Barbie girl! He even told me to find my Ken!"

"Maybe.... I should try myself." Catriona quietly whispered.

She got up, and walked over to the books.

She pulled out a small one, and began reading it on the spot.

He coughed, she was too nervous to respond.

"Excuse me? Is there another copy of the book you're reading?"

Catriona shut it, and turned to face him.

"Hey.... You're that girl in my science class...."

"I.... I am." Catriona smiled. "I'm Catriona Hadosai. And you're-"

"Graymor Sinnincox. Though I'm sure you knew that."

His British accent was cute. Catriona decided. And so were his large glasses. His eyes were still her favorite thing, however.

"Here, You can have it." Catriona offered. " I'll check and see if there's another copy."

"Thanks." He smiled, and went to take the book from her.

Before either of them slipped, however, his sleeve slid down just enough to reveal a jeweled bracelet. And upon making contact with her skin, instantly burned and shocked her.

She hissed in pain, twisting away from him to drop the book. She clutched her arm, tears pricking at her eyes as she felt a pain like no other.

"Oh Shit-! I'm so... I'm so sorry.. I.... I..." Graymor started, covering his mouth and staring at the bracelet.

"What.... What is that?!" Catriona cried, the pain having brought her to her knees.

"It's just Citrine!!" Graymor defended, For the first time showing something other than plain unamusement.

Catriona wasn't listening, she backed away until she could make a safe exit, and ran back to her friends, leaving Graymor staring after her in pain and sorrow.

——
Catriona was still in pain when she was dragged to the Nurse's office.

Still in pain when Mrs.Kurt came and got her and Zianna home early.

And even more so when she went home and all Mrs.Kurt could do was treat it as a normal burn and rub toothpaste and ointment all over her hands.

She blew on them, and shook them furiously.

Citrine.... Graymor had said it was Citrine.

Citrine wasn't a blessed stone, Though.

Cautiously, Catriona walked to the bathroom, and locked the door. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

A cool breeze blew through the bathroom, wrapping around her a few times before going away.

When she opened her eyes, she found a different woman staring at her. Mint-green eyes, Dark hair, Ears just like her, and a purple dress.

"Explain." Catriona demanded, holding up her burned hands.

"Child, Did you touch Citrine?" Iamoken frowned, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Yes."

"Ah. You see, That was one of Dioant's favorite gems. She probably cursed my bloodline to have bad reactions to it."

"Any other gems I should be concerned about??"

"Oh, Watch out for Jasper, Chalcedony, Sardonyx, Sardius, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Chrysophrase, Jacinth, and Amethyst."

"Thank you." Catriona smiled, closing her eyes once more.

When she opened them, she found a small gem container sitting on the counter, Iamoken gone and her own reflection looking back at her.

Gently opening the container, she found a cream in it. Upon touching it, her skin became soft and smooth.

She took a glob, rubbing it on the burn and finding it healing faster than before. Taking it back to her room, she tugged a suitcase from the closet and opened it up, Grabbing the contents and setting them up on her dresser.

It was an alter for Iamoken, Of course. A small portrait of her famed ancestor sitting in the middle. Catriona would have to remember to make her a cup of tea, but for now she had a stone of Apatite, a small hand-made doll with green eyes and blue hair, lavender incense, and a Jade stone.

Getting up, Catriona left to go downstairs, where she found Zianna and Mrs.Kurt talking all about the first day of school.

"Catriona!" Mrs.Kurt cheered. "How are you feeling?!"

"Much better." Catriona nodded. "Tea?"

"Oh, yes. We have many kinds from all over the world." Mrs.Kurt smiled, shuffling over to the Pantry and opening one side to showcase an entire shelf of boxes of tea.

Catriona followed after, scanning with her eyes and selecting a mix from Japan. Then one from China, and Another from Britain.

She grabbed the kettle she saw, filled it with fresh water, and boiled it till it was done.

She ran back upstairs to grab her alter cup, and came back down to fill it with the tea mixes and hot water. One spoonful of Honey later, Zianna and Mrs.Kurt were sniffing the concoction curiously.

"Sweetheart, What's this for?" Mrs.Kurt asked.

"My alter." Catriona smiled. "I could make another for yours, If you would like me to."

".....An Alter? Like a Sacrificial Alter?" Zianna Questioned.

Catriona frowned.

"I dunno what kind of Alter you've been introduced to. Mine is to celebrate someone."

"Ah. Like a Memorial." Mrs.Kurt clapped.

"Sort of... But smaller. To fit on a table in a home." Catriona nodded.

"May we see?" Zianna Questioned.

"Sure." Catriona smiled, Picking up the tea and bringing it upstairs to her room, Where she placed it under the picture of Iamoken.

"Whoa. Is that your mom?" Zianna asked.

"No.... It's my ancestor.... The first on we can go back to." Catriona smiled fondly.

"She looks lovely." Mrs.Kurt smiled. "Oh, I know! How about I make cookies to go with your tea. What kind do you normally make for her?"

"Shortbread..?" Catriona offered. Truth be told, She never really made cookies for Iamoken. She didn't even know if Iamoken liked Cookies. But, That was what came to mind.

"Hm... I don't know If I have a recipe for Shortbread cookies...." Mrs.Kurt muttered.

"Then whatever you can make is fine." Catriona grinned.

"Alright! Let's make some Snickerdoodles, Girls!"

——
"Graymor, Would you give it a rest?"

"Garte, I'm on a very close track! If I manage to find her descendant, I could make history!!"

"Iamoken is nothing more than a Fairy Tale from the Medieval ages like Jesus Christ himself."

"There's evidence that he, if not the man he was based on, Existed."

"Oh my god....."

The blond and raven-haired males bickered back and forth, much to the expense of the rest of their classmates on the surprisingly empty bus.

"Please, you two. Shut the fuck up." Malachai, a fellow student with brown hair and gray eyes scowled, Proving himself through and through to be every stereotype of an angry British Man.

"Jee. For a Science Geek, You sure are a History Nerd." Justin, Another Blond, laughed from the seat behind Graymor.

"No one knows what happened to her and her wife-"

"Wife? I thought Iamoken married Condalin and had his children?" Garte raised an eyebrow. Cerulean eyes piercing through Graymor.

"That's what I thought too, Until I dove deeper and deeper." Graymor smiled. "It's interesting to research her, I'll say that much. There's so many people who wonder what happened to her and-"

"Yah, Yah. We get it. Lord, Glaymoh. Do you ever shut up?" Janiel, A snooty french kid, chatised from the seat in front of Graymor.

Graymor slammed his book shut, carefully sliding it into his bookbag before zipping it and pulling it into his lap. He stared out the window in silence, sourness in his eyes and a growing bitterness in his heart.

"Oh relax, Graymor. We all have our interests. Yours are just... Not... Age-Appropriate." Garte sighed.

"That makes me sound like a sex manic." Graymor hissed.

"Speaking of which, Here's a present!" Justin laughed, throwing a wrapped box at Garte.

He unwrapped it to reveal condoms and a packet of Rose Seeds.

"Wow. This'll be useful. Why the roses?"

"I heard a few girls complain that guys are always cheap in buying flowers from the store. You, Mr.Not-A-Cheapo, Need only the best."

"Hah. This... This is great." Garte rolled his eyes, mindlessly tossing the box over his shoulder.

Graymor sighed, and watched the clouds as his fellow busmates bickered all the way to school.

——
When Zianna pushed Catriona into Fourth Period science, her heart almost stopped.

Graymor was sitting at their table, intently focused on a book of his.

As soon as he and Catriona matched eyes, he scrambled to pull the yellow bracelet off of his wrist, and shoved it into his bag before using some of the sanitizer supplied to them.

Catriona carefully slipped into her seat, eyeing Graymor in the same way he was to her.

—-/