Chapter III: Flames and Danger

Uncertainties. Have you ever felt uncertain about what you want to do in life? When you see other people striving to reach the impossible things, you always think of how did they even find out what their dreams are? And why I couldn’t find mine? How did they discover their purpose and unleash their potential while I couldn’t even decide what to wear to school?

It was more than frustrating, to be honest. It felt like I was caged inside a box without a door for me to go out.

However, some things changed as soon as I got here in the world of Olympus. Of course, I still have no idea what I must do and can do in this life. But for now, all I can say is…

I want to stay here in the meantime.

And because of what happened yesternight, the Headmistress, Professor Damaris, scheduled my orientation for my first day here at the Academy of Olympus as the newest Seeker.

“What’s a Seeker again?” I asked Dr. Foster as she helped me fix my hair and prepare for today’s agenda.

“The Seekers are the ones who still have no idea of what their powers are. The Academy of Olympus does not just teach every Olympian to learn to control and use their powers for the greater good. But also help those people find what they are looking for and discover what powers they have.” Dr. Foster carefully explained.

Afterward, she went beside me and lent me a very thick book. It says an unfamiliar alphabet which I cannot understand.

“What is this?” I gave Dr. Foster a questioning look.

“It’s all about the history and things you need to know about Olympus. Read at least the first ten pages before going to your classes later.”

My jaw dropped at her remark, “Are you saying I should read this hefty book?” I complained, knowing that I am not much of a reader of history books.

She chuckles at my complaint before holding my shoulders, “If you want to survive, it would be the least you can do. Professor McLaren and I are not always there to save you from your mess. I have people to save, and he has students to teach. And you, as a student, you must do well until we find a way how to bring you home. Do you understand?”

“Yes, doctor,” I respond with a quick nod. “I understand.”

She smiled sweetly and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. I gave her a small smile before I took the courage to hug her. She flinched at my unexpected action, but I had no intention of letting her go. It is the only way I know to thank her for being so kind to me and saving my life.

“Thank you for saving me, Dr. Helen Foster. And thank you for letting me stay here even just for a while.” I sincerely uttered.

I felt tears flowing down my gray, upturned eyes as she hugged me back. Mary, my foster mother, sprang to mind immediately. She was undoubtedly worried now and looking for me all over the place. But the problem is not just about the fact that I did not want to go back yet, because according to Professor McLaren, it will be hard for me to go back to the human world. The path they knew was dangerous to begin with, and knowing that I am just a mere human, it would be risky for me to walk through it.

Our moment was interrupted when Professor McLaren entered the infirmary. Dr. Foster and I let go of each other before facing the professor.

“Are you ready, child?” He asked in a formal but gentle manner.

“Yes, Professor,” I replied with a pleasant smile.

“Be careful not to get caught.” And keep in mind what I’ve said—”

“Do not mess with anyone.” I cut him out and slightly nodded, “I know. I know.”

He let a small sigh, “Time for you to go.” He walked towards us and held my shoulders, “Welcome to the Academy of Olympus.”

***

I took a deep breath as I stepped outside the Academy’s Faculty of Psionic Powers. It just happened that Professor McLaren is one of the teachers of those who have the same powers as him. On the other hand, every building in the Academy has its own infirmary. And for the Faculty of Psionic Powers, Dr. Foster serves as the Healer.

My eyes brightened as soon as I walked outside. I must say that the Academy is more lovely during the day for you can see everything under the sun. I strolled slowly towards the dancing grasses, feeling a little enchanted by the off-shoulder medieval royal blue dress I was wearing. My long wavy orange hair was braided in a half-ponytail, carefully blown by the gentle breeze. And the sun, which is beaming brightly among us, warms my pale skin.

Enjoying the walk, I turned my head left and right to look at the massive Academy towers. Students dressed alike walked in bunches, conversing, and laughing in unison. I suddenly felt jealous. I am in another world, but the fact that I have no friends here too makes me feel inferior, wishing that I could meet someone with whom I can share stories and waves of laughter in this kind of place.

I stopped on my track as soon as I remembered that I should go to the Headmistress’ office for the orientation. Professor McLaren and Dr. Foster cannot accompany me due to prior commitments. So, they instructed me to walk straight ahead and look for an old structure. But how can I find it if the buildings in this place were all designed anciently?

I pulled the book that Dr. Foster had given me from my bag. I tried to search for a map and smiled when I found it. My smile faded and was replaced by a frown when I realized the words written in the book were in the alphabet form of Olympus.

If I cannot read and understand this in the first place, why did Dr. Foster give me this book?

I heaved a sigh and looked at it, “I think we’re the same. We’re both useless.” I said to the book as if it was listening to me.

“Err—Why are you talking to the book?” I almost jumped to my place when I heard someone behind me.

I turned back and saw a tall and handsome guy with gray hair standing with his arms crossed in confusion. Just like the other male students, he is wearing a black cloak, gray overcoat with black linings, black pants, and black combat knee-high boots. Underneath his coat was a white button-down shirt, knitted black vest, and a black-red alternate striped necktie—which is a different color compared to others who wore the colors of indigo, green, orange, and yellow. I wonder what the meaning of those colors is.

“Hey, are you alright? I was just kidding! I don’t mean to offend you in any way.” He apologized, which made me back to my senses.

“Oh no, you didn’t.” I immediately responded, giving him a sense of relief.

“You must be new here,” He nonchalantly said. My brows furrowed in confusion when I realized that this scenario was familiar to me, and it seemed like we knew each other for years.

“Yeah, but how did you know?” I asked and paused when I realized something. “Do you, perhaps, have the power to read my mind?”

He let a soft chuckle at my question before looking at me with amusement, “No, I do not have. It’s just that you don’t wear a uniform like us.”

I glanced at myself, laughing at my innocence, “You’re right, I’m new here. And I can’t find the way to the Headmistress. She’ll probably scold me again, I’m late for the orientation.”

“You met the Headmistress? Wait a minute, are you the girl who was caught yesternight? The Seeker?” He asked.

I raised my brows in surprise, “How did you know?”

“That explains why you don’t know who I am.” He mumbled something which wasn’t loud enough for me to hear. “Anyway, let me take you to her office. I know the way.” He offered and winked at me.

The guy and I walked toward an old building with a large clock on top of it. My forehead creased as I noticed how the students turned their heads to us whenever we walked past them. They gave us confused and dodging stares, making me think that this guy beside me was different from the rest.

Later on, the guy and I stopped in front of a big wooden door. There are words written on top of it, but I am unable to read any of them.

“Thanks for helping me.” I sincerely uttered.

“No worries.” He replied and returned a warm smile.

Before he could leave, I immediately introduced myself, “I’m Blaire Patterson. And you are?”

He hesitated at first, but eventually, he talked, “I’m Andrew Arturia. See you around, Blaire.”

I smiled as soon as I saw him turn his back and walk away. It seemed like the students gave him enough respect to the point that they didn’t talk to him that much. I wonder what kind of power does he have? And from what caste is he?

Well, about the castes, Professor McLaren said that there is a caste system here in the Olympus. This system divides the people into seven groups depending on their power. What are those castes? That’s what the orientation is about.

I inhaled deeply before gently opening the door in front of me. As soon as I stepped inside, I was taken aback by how lovely the place looked. Bookshelves, chandeliers, plants, and flowers were scattered in every corner. In the middle of the room, you can find a center table and a pair of sofas on both sides of it. And there was the Headmistress’s table at the far end of the room.

Professor Damaris, however, is nowhere to be found, not even in her shadow. So, I settled in on the couch to wait for her. I felt relieved to learn that she was still not here and that I was not late.

Minutes passed, but no one came. I got bored so I walked around the bookshelves to find a book I could understand and read.

I stopped in my tracks as soon as I heard a loud noise coming outside. I immediately ran to see who it was, but I froze as soon as I saw a gigantic fireball burning the office doors.

And there, a tall, handsome, but intimidating man appears from the fire. He has messy brown fringe hair, dangerous-looking red almond eyes, an attractive pointed nose, kissable pinkish lips, a prominent jaw, a masculine figure, and fair skin. He also wears the same uniform as Andrew, but his necktie is on the loose as if he has just gotten from a fight.

My heart skipped a beat as soon as I smelled flames radiating from him. A familiar scenario suddenly rushed across my mind, making it difficult for me to breathe. My legs are trembling as if my strength is slowly ebbing from my body.

I scrutinized the man in front of me, and he was staring at me with raging eyes as if he was ready to kill me any moment from now. But before I could react, he dashed behind me and wrapped his arms around my neck.

I can feel my body sweating as our body touches, making me more nervous. It was a comforting but terrifying warmth. Something I don’t want to mess with, or I’ll perish.

“W-What are you doing?” I tried not to stutter, but I failed. I gulped and mustered the strength to ask again, “Who are you?”

His grip on me tightened, making me bite my lower lip. He leaned his head forward, making me feel his warm breath on my ears.

He whispered, “You’ll die if you knew.”

Staying here in the Olympus is the only certain decision I ever made in my life. But now that I encounter a man who possesses what I fear the most, a man who wields fire, and a man who can play with flames and danger, I know that my life is in doom.