Chapter 3: The Fountain

Myrttle's Point of View

Staying doesn't mean you used to like the place you belong with all the time. It is sometimes the least thing you can do to fill the curiosity you're drowning.

It's been one week since I started coming to Harrison University. But since then, the enigma of this place never let me leave. So I keep eyeing things that might help me to discover something I wished I wrongly understand.

I wished I am just overthinking things. But there must be a reason why there's something off around this place. Not including a few strange students who seem to be... unusual to my eyes.

I don't know, but if my assumption was right, this is a bad shot.

It's past ten o'clock in the morning, my first vacant time for this week. The shady sky was perfect for me to stroll and look around the place. Till my foot brought me to the most secluded place yet the most magnificent spot in the university ground. A fountain.

The center fountain seems to be abandoned and avoided by the student. Things I must not question after seeing how filthy and green the water it had. But at least it doesn't have a foul smell.

I stopped as I felt odd again. I knew someone's staring at me right now, but I didn't bother to look around and find who was it. For I know what I'm capable of, and they just don't. 

Looking closer, this fountain is a work of art. It may be filthy, but the structure itself was beautiful. The circular tiled fountain is consisting of 12 figures of warriors— six men and six women, like a crystal statue of Greek gods and goddesses. They probably representing personalities from the past— some important falk's, I guess.

My eyes narrowed at the weapon they are holding. To my surprise, symbols are lying in there. Who seems to be different, depending on who's holding it.

But when the sun suddenly showed up, one statue lures my attention. The sun made its simple red structure into a flaming crystal. A scene that I can't keep my eyes on. I looked at her hands and saw her magnificent bow and arrow, owning a symbol that made my heart skipped for an unknown reason. It's a blazing bird, a Phoenix.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" An old man's voice brings me back to reality. However, I choose not to face him and my peripheral vision saw how he turned his sight back at me after looking at the red statue I am looking at.

Until he says something that got my attention, "They are the 12 Legendary Rulers of this university, Miss Joong."

I looked back this time. An old sophisticated man, with grey-colored hair of his age. His creepy smile with recognition made me rolled my eyes at him and made my way out of his sight.

The way he stares at me seems like he's been waiting for me for a long time. Like what the hell?

I don't even recall who he was. Tss, Weird old man.

But what is he talking about? Legendary rulers? Who are they? Why do they need to exist? Especially with those kinds of weapons?

Oh god. Another worry to think about! Nice Myrttle!

***

My last class before lunch break was finally done. I solely made my way out to the room and gone to the main cafeteria to grab some meals. As usual, it's only just me who's been eating for almost a week. Since they also knew I don't want any companion.

I rarely saw Shenny and Xander these days. We have a different schedule which is really fine for me, for I can enjoy myself this way more.

A long lane waited for me at the cafeteria. The usual thing, especially today, since almost all of the Business administration students are having their lunch. It didn't bother me anyway, since waiting for me is fine.

A few steps more from the cashier, when I felt someone shove my back. I looked back and saw the girl with eyeglasses whose been next to me was gone. Instead, three different personalities I don't remember lining up for her place.

"Stupid nerd!" One of them yawned as the two of them laugh. 

Oh okay?

"Tss, here we are again," I heard sighed by the cafeteria staff who happened to assist me first. For the two-person in front of me flee as soon as they saw the three. So, lucky me?

"Set B, please, with fries and diet soda. And umh... grab me any kind of milk tea with additional pearls too." I ordered as I gave her my debit card, which the school issued me last week. 

"Hey, dumb! Hurry up!" One of them yelled, trying to pull my arms from the back. But I smiled as she failed. I first waited for my card to reclaim before giving this poor thing my attention.

"Are you some deaf or what?! We're talking to you!" the chubby one yelled as I faced them. 

Without any hesitation, I spoke with a lame tone, "Move." I commanded, instantly, the three clown faces turned red.

They were wearing hell-fashioned dresses—revealing their cleavages that can burn my eyes out of disgust. It can't even hide the layers of their fats. Oh god, how could they wear those hideous clothing? Though, the taller one with shades in the middle suits what she's wearing, but her chest is too full!

I saw how she narrowed her brow behind those shades. Well, I don't give a fuck. 

"Say what?!" she madly asked as I rolled my eyes to this self-proclaimed deaf.

"I.said.move," I repeated, emphasizing every word and showing them the way out of the cafeteria.

Eventually, I found the girl next to me on the floor, watching us instead of getting up.

Oh god, don't tell me, she has been waiting there to rotten?  

"OMG! I knew her. She's the new girl who messed us up in the Management class yesterday. Let's back off!" shouted one of them with a trembling voice. I dare say she's right. 

I remember their faces, except for the taller one. They belong to the group of brats who pushed me to kick their ass yesterday.

They tripped my foot while I was about to introduce myself in front of a professor. And of course! My reflexes made them taste their own medicine. They made me flipped their chairs together with them. Too bad for them to assume, that I am one of those who-can't-protect-myself ones, like this girl with eyeglasses. 

"The hell I care?" The tall one retorted, rolling her eyes that makes me want to poke it out.

"Like who are you, anyway? I don't see any reason for me to be scared. And what the hell do you call the garments you are wearing? Tell me, what book are you from?" She laughed, insulting my white oversized hooded jacket, which leaves me offended. The two of them noticed me and they just laugh awkwardly.

I tried to hold my temper for a bit, remembering the few best things to avenge with people like her.

First, ignore.

I lazily turn my back and get the glass of milk tea I ordered. Purposely, left my food tray as I quickly turned to face them.

Second, Act stupid.

The momentum made the tea splashed on her pissed-off expression. That quickly drips down to her chess and soaks it wet. They gasped and she acted like she is about to faint. Oh, stop it.

Third, enjoy the moment.

Trying to not show my enjoyment. I fake an apologetic look.

Fourth, make a convincing apology.

"Oh dear, I'm really sorry." I acted, intentionally whipping her wet dress that made it spread more. 

And last but the best part. Make them look stupid.

"I wish I could say it wasn't on purpose. But everything's obvious, right? Unless your shades are too dark for you to see what happened?" I smirked as I stood up wiping my hands I messed because of their show.

I glanced around after realizing that I took everyone's attention. But they immediately looked away as I throw them my get-lost-stare.

"How dare you!" She crookedly cried, getting my attention again. She's trying to dry her dress using her hands.

Like what is this girl doing? I thought, tilting my head.

That poke a nerve and quickly raised a hand for a slap. Too slow that made me manage to grab it making her screamed, "Ouch!"

"Oh yeah?" I laugh sarcastically and let go of her hand as hard as I can. Thus, made a massive impact I was almost worried about. Tss. Her fault.

"Here's the thing, Miss. A true villain must know who is he opposed to." I leaned closer to continue. "But I'm warning you. Sometimes, knowing the person you're messing with could cause you a life." I smiled as I pulled myself and leave her dumbfounded.