{. THE KINGDOMS .}
Title : The Kingdoms
Chapters :
[1= complete],
[2= complete],
[3=in progress]
The Kingdoms
CHAPTER 1 - LONG, LONG AGO
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“TO WAR!”
A man in a glittering armor announced. In an instant, an army soldiers charged against the opposing army, an army clad in black and shrouded by intimidating helmets.
Spears and blades slashed through the shining pieces of metal used as protective clothing. Nobody could make out the outcome, if the war was this brutal.
Unlike the previous wars, this one had a much more number of knights and soldiers.
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From above, a peculiar woman dressed in blue, adorned by hair shaded in blue, which was almost as wavy as the sea, looked anxiously at the battle that was occurring below. She could not do anything now but look, because if she did, her position as a Guardian would be removed and she would be sent to the Other Half of the Spirit World.
“There is no reason to worry, Water Guardian,” chimed another woman, this time she looked a bit awkward and eccentric, since her whole body was draped with vines and her hair was garnished with all types of flowers, big and small.
“Easy for you to say, Nature Guardian, at least you’re not restricted from-“ The Water Guardian stopped her snapping as soon as the Nature Guardian shot her the Look.
“My dear Water Guardian, we are all restricted from helping wars and what not,” The Nature Guardian sighed calmly, but her tone made it feel like she was hurting the Water Guardian harshly on purpose.
“It’s just impossible for King Henry’s army to win against Lord Dante’s mercenary!” The Water Guardian rubbed the top of her head, as if trying to think of something intensely rebellious against the Higher Court.
“Why do you say that?” The Nature Guardian tilted her head to the side and joined the Water Guardian in watching the combat.
“If I remember correctly, lots of knights from King Henry’s army switched to Lord Dante’s side because of King Henry’s arrogance.” replied the Water Guardian nervously, shrugging off her statement.
“Let’s just wait until this has settled and discuss it with Lady Light Guardian,” The Nature Guardian ended their conversation as the Moon Guardian appeared.
“Might I ask what you have been talking about, ladies?” The Moon Guardian asked gently, his fine, silver hair blowing in the motion of the placid breeze.
“Nothing at all.” The two women hooted together.
“I see.” The Moon Guardian looked down at the almost-tragedy happening below,
“Lady Light Guardian is holding a meeting about the war later,” he informed them as he stared at the disastrous scenario, daring himself to keep his cool.
“Is it really that serious?” The Water Guardian inquired, looking worried and frightened.
“If Dante wins, then yes. We might have to take… desperate measures,”
The pair of women didn’t exactly know what the Moon Guardian was saying, but they understood tidbits of his statement.
“…What kind of desperate-“ The Nature Guardian was about to ask him, but then she was cut off when another guardian, a rather plump guardian wearing spectacles suddenly appeared on the stage.
“Oh my! What are you three doing here?” Said the Spectacled Guardian, his acting was horrible, as he seemed like he was surprised.
“We’re watching the war. What’s your problem?” the Nature Guardian retorted rudely.
“Nothing~. I just came to inform you’re already late for the meeting,” giggled the Spectacled Guardian.
“So are you, right, Wise Guardian?” said the Water Guardian confidently.
The Wise Guardian was at a loss of words now, reaping the seed he sown called ‘arrogance’ off his field.
“Well, yes. But I passed by the Light Guardian and she told me to tell you,” breathed the Wise Guardian, adjusting the frames of his treasured glasses.
“Then let us go before the Light Guardian gives us a beating.” chuckled the Moon Guardian.
In an instant, took a ride to the Conference Room using The Moon Guardian’s chariot.
They arrived bursting from the wooden door, thus penetrating confused and startled look from the other guardians.
The group turned their glances unto the Light Guardian’s assigned chair. Lady Light Guardian was not present yet, meaning the meeting has not yet started.
The Moon, Nature and Water Guardian glared at the Wise Guardian.
“S-she said it!” he explained almost desperately, waving his hands rapidly.
The three sighed and continued walking towards their appointed chairs.
For a few minutes, the room remained in dead silence.
“So,” one guardian, a guardian with thin, half-done, almost-white hair, cut the fabric of tranquility, “What are your speculations?”
The others groaned as they thought critically, their hands on their chin as they try there hardest to concentrate on the situation.
“If Lord Dante will win, then we better just guard another dimension,” said another guardian, as hot-blooded as he looks, with blazing red hair and eyes like glowing rubies, “we have nothing more to do here.”
“Or we can just stop darkness from coming,” suggested a guardian among the crowd; she had hair as dark as chocolate and her eyes like topazes, gleaming in the chandelier’s light. She seemed to be wearing a worn, but working, hand watch as a necklace
“What do you think, my fellowmen?” The Moon Guardian asked the others, “Which is the better path, The Fire Guardian’s, or the Time Guardian’s?”
“Time Guardian, could you please expound your statement?”
They were all alarmed by the ringing voice echoing around the room.
The doors split open, revealing a blinding light from the corridor.
“It’s Lady Light Guardian!” said the Nature Guardian, sensing the calm, motherly tone in her soothing voice.
In a blink of an eye, a woman clothed in gold entered the conference room. To describe her in one world, she was a serene woman. The tranquility of her eyes never wavered, nor did her posture.
Every one stood on their feet and bowed before the near divine being.
The Light Guardian nodded her head as a shorter hello. She walked up to her chair, which was a bit different from the others’ chair since it was furnished mahogany and carved on it were different swirls and shapes.
“You may be seated,” she announced sharply. Everyone took their seats and waited apprehensively for the Time Guardian’s response.
The Time Guardian noticed the glances they shot at her and nodded reluctantly.
“Everyone is here, might I presume?” The Light Guardian stopped the Time Guardian short of her sentence.
The Light Guardian roll called them all, “Moon Guardian.”
“Present.” The Moon Guardian replied formally, standing from his seat and gave a short bow to the Lady.
“Nature Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Water Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Fire Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Wise Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Time Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Dark Guardian.”
At that, there was no response, only the sound of the chair moving backward, a person in a dark cloak standing up, and a bow.
“Did I forget anybody?” The Light Guardian folded her hands together as a sign of conclusion.
They all shook their heads.
“Good.” She turned to the Time Guardian, and gave her the signal to justify her reason.
“Well… we surely can’t do it now, the situation being crucial and rather… straining, but maybe our descendants can,”
The Time Guardian put out her hand watch so that everybody could see. The hands started moving rapidly, until they could no longer determine how many days…months…years… had spun around that clock, “in how-many-decade’s time, our descendants will appear before the Darkness, defeat it, and shed light all over our country, our dimension. I do not know when that is, but I’m sure we will meet them here, but in another world. Our lineage will continue to live on in the real world. But… of course… we still have to go through many hardships to get that kind of future for our mankind.”
“What do we have to do?” asked the Flame Guardian, crossing his arms fiercely on his chest.
The Time Guardian blinked, sighed and answered, “Offspring.”
Getting the Flame Guardian to understand is like talking to a squirrel for the Time Guardian.
“O-OFFSPRING? You’re kidding right?” The Nature Guardian fiercely said in response as she banged her hands on the table. The other Guardians could notice her blushing ruthlessly.
“Oh~ Nature Guardian, are you not ready?” laughed the Wise Guardian, lifting his frames for convenience.
The Nature Guardian felt that the Wise Guardian was riding on her very last nerve. If only she could crush his throat and leave him with no voice, which would have satisfied her for everything.
The Light Guardian chuckled at how almost idiotic everyone looked like. For her, though, it would be fine, since it was for the sake of her country, no, for the sake of her mankind. She clapped her hands loud enough to get everyone’s attention off the two who were fighting.
“This might be a good path; our heirs may or may not be competent, but if they work hard and give it all they can, then maybe… just maybe… they will win.” The Light Guardian enthusiastically said to all of them, and they nodded their heads at the situation.
“I guess there’s no other choice then, well, other than succumb in darkness, that is…” The Water Guardian smiled at her fellow Guardians,
The all nodded their heads in happy response. Finally, a plan of the Time Guardian that had gone right!
“Then… after the war, let us move out!” cheered the Moon Guardian.
“YEAH!” They replied, their fists in the air and teamwork amongst them.
That is, all but one joined the team. The Dark Guardian scoffed irrespectively and walked off the conference room door without giving any word to the light guardian.
Now, this is what they should call a bad omen.
Chapter 2 - Present Day
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Page 1: Introduction
Welcome to Saint Therese School of the Gifted, for short, STSG.
By its title, we are sure you know what the school’s vision and mission is.
Exactly. It is to develop the talents of the physically, emotionally, musically and mentally gifted.
We here, in STSG give affordable tuition fees and inexpensive prices if ever your child wants to reside in the dormitories.
We have a rather commodious cafeteria for the convenience of our students.
Also, please turn to the fifth page of this handbook to fully understand the way we segregate the levels and classrooms.
Page 2: The Administrators
In STSG, we refer to our staff as the “Amministratori,” the literal Italian translation of Administrators.
There are six Amministratori:
The Dirigente, literally meaning the director,
The Primo Strumenstista, in other words the principal of the school,
The Sovrintende, the supervisor of the school,
The Disciplinari Custode, the Disciplinary Caretaker, or to expound further, the one who keeps the school in order,
The Orientamento Custode, the Guidance Caretaker, or to familiarize it more, the Guidance Counselor and last but not the least,
The Direttrice, though literally mean Directress, is translated deeper to Headmistress; the one who paid for this school.
If you are looking for more information about the history of the school please refer to them, because this handbook is only a small chunk of the whole school.
Page 3: The School’s Subjects
STSG has many subjects that your child can take up.
- Music
- Journalism
- Performing Arts
- Medicine (though this is only limited to those who reside in the dormitories)
- Culinary Arts
- PE
Optional:
- Italian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Filipino
And lots more!
Page 4: Basic Rules & Regulations
Note: Please refer to the page 10-14 for the complete list of rules.
1. No round housing, or any actions of violence.
Penalty: Visit to the Direttrice.
2. Avoid loitering
Penalty: Nothing, particularly. Just a bit of scolding.
3. Avoid making unnecessary noise.
Penalty: Scolding.
Page 5: Classroom Segregation
STSG follows the Japanese way of classifying levels.
From the lowest class, Class F to Class A+
There is an extra class that is supplementary to only the most gifted students in the school.
This is the Class X.
This classroom has the most gifted, thus having them exempted from the lessons.
Using their gifts, they use their time to entertain the students and work as substitute teachers if needed.
If your child works hard, then maybe he/she will enter the soothing world of class X…
Moreno El Crevasse closed the handbook he was reading just now. He didn’t bother reading the rest of the pages, knowing how many times he had read those pages all over and over again.
He was inside his new, black Range Rover, looking through the slightly frosted windows.
It was another school semester, but what’s to be excited about? All he ever did was stay inside that room and make scripts and props for the upcoming plays and concerts.
He wasn’t given any substitute teacher jobs, too. He sighed deeply, but not loud enough to get the attention of their family’s nosy driver.
He ran his fingers through his golden tresses, leaving them to fall neatly near his ears.
What was to be nervous about?
Moreno shook off all his worries and double-checked himself if he had everything ready.
I.D? Check.
Handbook? Check.
Notebook? Check.
Music book? Check.
Money? Check.
Good. He was all ready.
I smoothened all the creases from his 1-year-old jacket. It’s been almost five years since he was admitted to Class X.
Saint Therese School of the Gifted is the only place where he really felt at home.
To explain further, Moreno is in the care of his grandparents, since his parents died because of cancer and his little sister was murdered while buying dinner for his birthday.
He looks up to his classmates as his only family.
“Sir, we have arrived,” said the driver.
“Thank you, Driver.”
Moreno hopped off the black car, which drove off at light speed.
He was already at the gates of his treasured home, STSG.
He walked past the fountain-adorned lawn, unto the main entrance hall.
For 30 years, this school has not changed a bit. (Well, maybe a bit of renovations and school buildings, but the affection is still the same.)
He clutched his I.D in his right hand, and his bag in the other.
If he could remember correctly, the Direttrice’s words were: “No I.D No Entry!”
You cannot go inside Class X without an I.D, and that rule must be carried out smoothly and strictly.
Still walking, he carefully clipped the I.D onto his right collar making sure it doesn’t fall from its position.
He was almost ready to enter the door, but before that, he fixed his hair and adjusted his tie a bit.
He slowly opened the door that was standing above him like a big wall with small cracks; he saw two familiar figures from slightly afar.
He started dragging his feet to the direction of the tea table he had set up last year.
“Moreno!” Two voices were audibly calling out to him. Those voices were very precious to Moreno, since those who possess those voices are one of the most important to him.
“Hey guys!” He waved back at them, beaming cheerfully at them.
Class X was a big classroom, no; it can’t even be called a classroom. It was almost as extensive as the cafeteria; it only lacked a lot of chairs, tables and ear-deafening noise.
Its walls were painted in eye-soothing cream, and the room had a lawn just beside it, or you can say connected to it.
The chairs and tables are always renewed every year, since we always break them while practicing for several entertainment installments.
And so the two people who held ownership for those voices walked up to him.
First was the pretty Apolinaria El Luna, her almond eyes complimented her cocoa-colored hair pretty well. Moreno could say that he had a little bit of a crush on Apolinaria, just a little bit.
Second was his best friend: Narique Anzia. She had flowing, orange hair tied in a boyish half-ponytail paired with dark brown eyes that resembled her mother so much. Oh wait, who was her mother?
Moreno knows that he should not take these two girls lightly.
Apolinaria may seem like a sweet, naïve girl, when she is actually the smartest student, second to Narique. She may get a bit violent once you cross the line in teasing her, but that only happens once or twice a year.
Narique is an energetic, lively young woman, though she can be a tad serious when it’s her turn as a leader.
In a few minutes’ time, two younger girls arrived with grinning faces.
“Long time, no see everyone~!” One girl walked up to them, and smiled at them dearly.
Floressa Rosalia, a perky girl who greets everyone with a happy beam on her lips. Moreno obviously didn’t like her, because she is somehow envied by her school because of her kindness and helpfulness, and her beauty too add to it. She had flowing black hair, which was decorated with a special violet strand and a gentle curl. Her eyes are like emeralds when exposed to the sun.
The second girl, Shamara Letizia, a slightly spoiled lady who makes up to every mistake she commits. She is a tidbit richer than the six of them in Class X, so they make use of her money during plays and school projects.
They all took a seat on the chairs in front of the tea table.
“Sorry I’m late!” Marina suddenly burst inside the room, with enough force to have the doors close by themselves.
Maria Piscina, the most popular amongst us all. It seems that she has already appeared in TV several times for concerts and stage performances and so on. She is friends with the other popular girls with the school, thus making her the most sociable. Her flowing pink tresses didn’t give out a lot of radiance than her ruby-colored irises. It appeared slightly creepy, but her whole personality isn’t.
“So, what will we talk about?” Apolinaria said, putting down her teacup daintily and placing it on the table.
“How was your summer everyone?” Narique asked optimistically, drinking her tea all at once without choking at all.
“It’s a bit boring,” Floressa whined, crossing her legs after she sipped on her tea.
“Yeah, the summer workshops I took didn’t help me in any way!” Shamara bleated, sounding as if she took a thousand jobs and didn’t get her paycheck.
“Voice lessons suck,” Marina was not wholesomely complaining, as she was wearing a suspicious smirk, “but I met someone!”
“Who?” The younger ones eagerly asked, not noticing the frown on Apolinaria’s face.
“Shut up, Marina. They’re still too young to know about this,” she said dryly.
Apolinaria and Marina never had a quite pleasant relationship with each other, they were know to be always fighting about anything, most likely boys and relationships, et cetera.
“Oh, sure~! Just because your boyfriend didn’t show up the third time he asked you out for dinner!” Marina snapped rudely, raising a crude eyebrow at the brown-haired woman.
Apolinaria was just about ready to slap the sensitive skin on the other woman’s cheek, Moreno grabbed her wrist and laid her down on the chair before anything drastic happens.
“See, RiRin~? They’re interested in my story. If you don’t want to listen, just stay away from me,” Marina chuckled cruelly, leaving Apolinaria to take control of her twitching fists.
Apolinaria hated that nickname, and even though she keeps on thinking, she can’t find any other horrible nickname to counter. She always gets blocked.
“Just continue with that damn story of yours, I’ll be in the kitchen making tea,” she stood from her seat and placed the tea set on an old, silver tray.
“I bet I can buy a better tray than that deformed thing,”
Oh now Marina went there. She went there.
“Shut your damn mouth! I don’t care if my family lost its fortune during the fire last year and we had to move into Narique’s house! At least the Dirigente let me stay in this school! At least he offered me a scholarship for my hard work! My, I even think he likes ME better than he EVER liked you!” Apolinaria clearly had lost it, as she threw the tea set violently to the ground and took Marina by the shirt.
“HEY!” Narique separated the two from each other, in case their screams could be heard outside the Class, and Disciplinari Custode passed by, “STOP IT. It’s just been the first day of classes! And you’re going to fight during a happy reunion? Just for today, make up, will you? Besides, we’re graduating next year. We should treasure this year very much.” Narique shared glances with all of them, and gave the two who were previously going to engage in a brawl a faint smile.
“W-well. Just for today is fine,” Apolinaria dusted of the dirt from her dress and picked up the fallen fragments of the tea set, “oh my! What trouble I have caused!” She gasped, only realizing now what she had done. She sighed and looked at each other with a nervous smile, “it seems that we can’t drink any tea today anymore…”
Moreno stepped into the scene and sighed. He, too, helped Apolinaria in her petty chore.
“Here, Apolinaria, give those shards to me, I’ll be the one to dispose of them.” Apolinaria gave the remains of the teacup and teapot using the tray. She checked around to see if anything was still on the ground. You can step on small pieces and get injured if that ever happens.
“I’ll just sweep the other pieces off if ever you see any,” chucked Apolinaria.
Moreno nodded as he headed to the trash bin. He waved his hand over the tray to see if any pieces were missing (even if he new it was a bit futile.)
Then, suddenly, a small ray of light emitted from his hand as he put his hand just above the shard.
“W-what’s this?!” Moreno was startled; the light grew brighter and then he started to realize that the light that his hand was producing began to restore the tea set to its form before Apolinaria broke it.
Narique noticed this, and ran towards the slightly frightened Moreno.
“What’s happening?” Narique appeared just above Moreno’s should, and gasped at the amazing sight.
“TH-THE TEA SET!” Narique lifted her trembling finger to point at what was happening.
“Why is Moreno’s hand glowing?” asked Shamara out of curiosity.
“Let’s check it out!” Floressa giggled and ran towards him.
Apolinaria and Marina were the last ones to approach the surprised boy.
“What…is…” Apolinaria was just as surprised as everyone else. Moreno waved his hand around the shattered tea set once more…
“IT’S FIXED! IT’S FIXED!” Floressa started squealing, gasping abruptly between words.
“Oh…my…gosh!” Marina exclaimed, and to think she was just about to buy a better one too.
“W-what did I just do?!” Moreno cried, gave the new-looking tea set to Apolinaria and surrendered on his knees.
Apolinaria observed the tea set from top to bottom, there seems to be no cracks, and no signs of glue either.
“Moreno… how did you…?” Apolinaria tried saying, but it would be no use and it could only anger Moreno.
“…What did I just do…?” Moreno could not keep himself calm, but gave in to his sanity. He started asking for help and screaming, until he heard rustling from the bushes near the bin.
Everyone’s heads turned to the crackling noise. Something was inside that bush for sure, but they did not know what it was.
“Narique, check it out…” Floressa anxiously uttered.
Narique nodded out of goodwill and walked up to the wriggling bush.
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Chapters :
[1= complete],
[2= complete],
[3=in progress]
The Kingdoms
CHAPTER 1 - LONG, LONG AGO
--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--
“TO WAR!”
A man in a glittering armor announced. In an instant, an army soldiers charged against the opposing army, an army clad in black and shrouded by intimidating helmets.
Spears and blades slashed through the shining pieces of metal used as protective clothing. Nobody could make out the outcome, if the war was this brutal.
Unlike the previous wars, this one had a much more number of knights and soldiers.
--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~
From above, a peculiar woman dressed in blue, adorned by hair shaded in blue, which was almost as wavy as the sea, looked anxiously at the battle that was occurring below. She could not do anything now but look, because if she did, her position as a Guardian would be removed and she would be sent to the Other Half of the Spirit World.
“There is no reason to worry, Water Guardian,” chimed another woman, this time she looked a bit awkward and eccentric, since her whole body was draped with vines and her hair was garnished with all types of flowers, big and small.
“Easy for you to say, Nature Guardian, at least you’re not restricted from-“ The Water Guardian stopped her snapping as soon as the Nature Guardian shot her the Look.
“My dear Water Guardian, we are all restricted from helping wars and what not,” The Nature Guardian sighed calmly, but her tone made it feel like she was hurting the Water Guardian harshly on purpose.
“It’s just impossible for King Henry’s army to win against Lord Dante’s mercenary!” The Water Guardian rubbed the top of her head, as if trying to think of something intensely rebellious against the Higher Court.
“Why do you say that?” The Nature Guardian tilted her head to the side and joined the Water Guardian in watching the combat.
“If I remember correctly, lots of knights from King Henry’s army switched to Lord Dante’s side because of King Henry’s arrogance.” replied the Water Guardian nervously, shrugging off her statement.
“Let’s just wait until this has settled and discuss it with Lady Light Guardian,” The Nature Guardian ended their conversation as the Moon Guardian appeared.
“Might I ask what you have been talking about, ladies?” The Moon Guardian asked gently, his fine, silver hair blowing in the motion of the placid breeze.
“Nothing at all.” The two women hooted together.
“I see.” The Moon Guardian looked down at the almost-tragedy happening below,
“Lady Light Guardian is holding a meeting about the war later,” he informed them as he stared at the disastrous scenario, daring himself to keep his cool.
“Is it really that serious?” The Water Guardian inquired, looking worried and frightened.
“If Dante wins, then yes. We might have to take… desperate measures,”
The pair of women didn’t exactly know what the Moon Guardian was saying, but they understood tidbits of his statement.
“…What kind of desperate-“ The Nature Guardian was about to ask him, but then she was cut off when another guardian, a rather plump guardian wearing spectacles suddenly appeared on the stage.
“Oh my! What are you three doing here?” Said the Spectacled Guardian, his acting was horrible, as he seemed like he was surprised.
“We’re watching the war. What’s your problem?” the Nature Guardian retorted rudely.
“Nothing~. I just came to inform you’re already late for the meeting,” giggled the Spectacled Guardian.
“So are you, right, Wise Guardian?” said the Water Guardian confidently.
The Wise Guardian was at a loss of words now, reaping the seed he sown called ‘arrogance’ off his field.
“Well, yes. But I passed by the Light Guardian and she told me to tell you,” breathed the Wise Guardian, adjusting the frames of his treasured glasses.
“Then let us go before the Light Guardian gives us a beating.” chuckled the Moon Guardian.
In an instant, took a ride to the Conference Room using The Moon Guardian’s chariot.
They arrived bursting from the wooden door, thus penetrating confused and startled look from the other guardians.
The group turned their glances unto the Light Guardian’s assigned chair. Lady Light Guardian was not present yet, meaning the meeting has not yet started.
The Moon, Nature and Water Guardian glared at the Wise Guardian.
“S-she said it!” he explained almost desperately, waving his hands rapidly.
The three sighed and continued walking towards their appointed chairs.
For a few minutes, the room remained in dead silence.
“So,” one guardian, a guardian with thin, half-done, almost-white hair, cut the fabric of tranquility, “What are your speculations?”
The others groaned as they thought critically, their hands on their chin as they try there hardest to concentrate on the situation.
“If Lord Dante will win, then we better just guard another dimension,” said another guardian, as hot-blooded as he looks, with blazing red hair and eyes like glowing rubies, “we have nothing more to do here.”
“Or we can just stop darkness from coming,” suggested a guardian among the crowd; she had hair as dark as chocolate and her eyes like topazes, gleaming in the chandelier’s light. She seemed to be wearing a worn, but working, hand watch as a necklace
“What do you think, my fellowmen?” The Moon Guardian asked the others, “Which is the better path, The Fire Guardian’s, or the Time Guardian’s?”
“Time Guardian, could you please expound your statement?”
They were all alarmed by the ringing voice echoing around the room.
The doors split open, revealing a blinding light from the corridor.
“It’s Lady Light Guardian!” said the Nature Guardian, sensing the calm, motherly tone in her soothing voice.
In a blink of an eye, a woman clothed in gold entered the conference room. To describe her in one world, she was a serene woman. The tranquility of her eyes never wavered, nor did her posture.
Every one stood on their feet and bowed before the near divine being.
The Light Guardian nodded her head as a shorter hello. She walked up to her chair, which was a bit different from the others’ chair since it was furnished mahogany and carved on it were different swirls and shapes.
“You may be seated,” she announced sharply. Everyone took their seats and waited apprehensively for the Time Guardian’s response.
The Time Guardian noticed the glances they shot at her and nodded reluctantly.
“Everyone is here, might I presume?” The Light Guardian stopped the Time Guardian short of her sentence.
The Light Guardian roll called them all, “Moon Guardian.”
“Present.” The Moon Guardian replied formally, standing from his seat and gave a short bow to the Lady.
“Nature Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Water Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Fire Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Wise Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Time Guardian.”
“Present.”
“Dark Guardian.”
At that, there was no response, only the sound of the chair moving backward, a person in a dark cloak standing up, and a bow.
“Did I forget anybody?” The Light Guardian folded her hands together as a sign of conclusion.
They all shook their heads.
“Good.” She turned to the Time Guardian, and gave her the signal to justify her reason.
“Well… we surely can’t do it now, the situation being crucial and rather… straining, but maybe our descendants can,”
The Time Guardian put out her hand watch so that everybody could see. The hands started moving rapidly, until they could no longer determine how many days…months…years… had spun around that clock, “in how-many-decade’s time, our descendants will appear before the Darkness, defeat it, and shed light all over our country, our dimension. I do not know when that is, but I’m sure we will meet them here, but in another world. Our lineage will continue to live on in the real world. But… of course… we still have to go through many hardships to get that kind of future for our mankind.”
“What do we have to do?” asked the Flame Guardian, crossing his arms fiercely on his chest.
The Time Guardian blinked, sighed and answered, “Offspring.”
Getting the Flame Guardian to understand is like talking to a squirrel for the Time Guardian.
“O-OFFSPRING? You’re kidding right?” The Nature Guardian fiercely said in response as she banged her hands on the table. The other Guardians could notice her blushing ruthlessly.
“Oh~ Nature Guardian, are you not ready?” laughed the Wise Guardian, lifting his frames for convenience.
The Nature Guardian felt that the Wise Guardian was riding on her very last nerve. If only she could crush his throat and leave him with no voice, which would have satisfied her for everything.
The Light Guardian chuckled at how almost idiotic everyone looked like. For her, though, it would be fine, since it was for the sake of her country, no, for the sake of her mankind. She clapped her hands loud enough to get everyone’s attention off the two who were fighting.
“This might be a good path; our heirs may or may not be competent, but if they work hard and give it all they can, then maybe… just maybe… they will win.” The Light Guardian enthusiastically said to all of them, and they nodded their heads at the situation.
“I guess there’s no other choice then, well, other than succumb in darkness, that is…” The Water Guardian smiled at her fellow Guardians,
The all nodded their heads in happy response. Finally, a plan of the Time Guardian that had gone right!
“Then… after the war, let us move out!” cheered the Moon Guardian.
“YEAH!” They replied, their fists in the air and teamwork amongst them.
That is, all but one joined the team. The Dark Guardian scoffed irrespectively and walked off the conference room door without giving any word to the light guardian.
Now, this is what they should call a bad omen.
Chapter 2 - Present Day
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Page 1: Introduction
Welcome to Saint Therese School of the Gifted, for short, STSG.
By its title, we are sure you know what the school’s vision and mission is.
Exactly. It is to develop the talents of the physically, emotionally, musically and mentally gifted.
We here, in STSG give affordable tuition fees and inexpensive prices if ever your child wants to reside in the dormitories.
We have a rather commodious cafeteria for the convenience of our students.
Also, please turn to the fifth page of this handbook to fully understand the way we segregate the levels and classrooms.
Page 2: The Administrators
In STSG, we refer to our staff as the “Amministratori,” the literal Italian translation of Administrators.
There are six Amministratori:
The Dirigente, literally meaning the director,
The Primo Strumenstista, in other words the principal of the school,
The Sovrintende, the supervisor of the school,
The Disciplinari Custode, the Disciplinary Caretaker, or to expound further, the one who keeps the school in order,
The Orientamento Custode, the Guidance Caretaker, or to familiarize it more, the Guidance Counselor and last but not the least,
The Direttrice, though literally mean Directress, is translated deeper to Headmistress; the one who paid for this school.
If you are looking for more information about the history of the school please refer to them, because this handbook is only a small chunk of the whole school.
Page 3: The School’s Subjects
STSG has many subjects that your child can take up.
- Music
- Journalism
- Performing Arts
- Medicine (though this is only limited to those who reside in the dormitories)
- Culinary Arts
- PE
Optional:
- Italian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Filipino
And lots more!
Page 4: Basic Rules & Regulations
Note: Please refer to the page 10-14 for the complete list of rules.
1. No round housing, or any actions of violence.
Penalty: Visit to the Direttrice.
2. Avoid loitering
Penalty: Nothing, particularly. Just a bit of scolding.
3. Avoid making unnecessary noise.
Penalty: Scolding.
Page 5: Classroom Segregation
STSG follows the Japanese way of classifying levels.
From the lowest class, Class F to Class A+
There is an extra class that is supplementary to only the most gifted students in the school.
This is the Class X.
This classroom has the most gifted, thus having them exempted from the lessons.
Using their gifts, they use their time to entertain the students and work as substitute teachers if needed.
If your child works hard, then maybe he/she will enter the soothing world of class X…
Moreno El Crevasse closed the handbook he was reading just now. He didn’t bother reading the rest of the pages, knowing how many times he had read those pages all over and over again.
He was inside his new, black Range Rover, looking through the slightly frosted windows.
It was another school semester, but what’s to be excited about? All he ever did was stay inside that room and make scripts and props for the upcoming plays and concerts.
He wasn’t given any substitute teacher jobs, too. He sighed deeply, but not loud enough to get the attention of their family’s nosy driver.
He ran his fingers through his golden tresses, leaving them to fall neatly near his ears.
What was to be nervous about?
Moreno shook off all his worries and double-checked himself if he had everything ready.
I.D? Check.
Handbook? Check.
Notebook? Check.
Music book? Check.
Money? Check.
Good. He was all ready.
I smoothened all the creases from his 1-year-old jacket. It’s been almost five years since he was admitted to Class X.
Saint Therese School of the Gifted is the only place where he really felt at home.
To explain further, Moreno is in the care of his grandparents, since his parents died because of cancer and his little sister was murdered while buying dinner for his birthday.
He looks up to his classmates as his only family.
“Sir, we have arrived,” said the driver.
“Thank you, Driver.”
Moreno hopped off the black car, which drove off at light speed.
He was already at the gates of his treasured home, STSG.
He walked past the fountain-adorned lawn, unto the main entrance hall.
For 30 years, this school has not changed a bit. (Well, maybe a bit of renovations and school buildings, but the affection is still the same.)
He clutched his I.D in his right hand, and his bag in the other.
If he could remember correctly, the Direttrice’s words were: “No I.D No Entry!”
You cannot go inside Class X without an I.D, and that rule must be carried out smoothly and strictly.
Still walking, he carefully clipped the I.D onto his right collar making sure it doesn’t fall from its position.
He was almost ready to enter the door, but before that, he fixed his hair and adjusted his tie a bit.
He slowly opened the door that was standing above him like a big wall with small cracks; he saw two familiar figures from slightly afar.
He started dragging his feet to the direction of the tea table he had set up last year.
“Moreno!” Two voices were audibly calling out to him. Those voices were very precious to Moreno, since those who possess those voices are one of the most important to him.
“Hey guys!” He waved back at them, beaming cheerfully at them.
Class X was a big classroom, no; it can’t even be called a classroom. It was almost as extensive as the cafeteria; it only lacked a lot of chairs, tables and ear-deafening noise.
Its walls were painted in eye-soothing cream, and the room had a lawn just beside it, or you can say connected to it.
The chairs and tables are always renewed every year, since we always break them while practicing for several entertainment installments.
And so the two people who held ownership for those voices walked up to him.
First was the pretty Apolinaria El Luna, her almond eyes complimented her cocoa-colored hair pretty well. Moreno could say that he had a little bit of a crush on Apolinaria, just a little bit.
Second was his best friend: Narique Anzia. She had flowing, orange hair tied in a boyish half-ponytail paired with dark brown eyes that resembled her mother so much. Oh wait, who was her mother?
Moreno knows that he should not take these two girls lightly.
Apolinaria may seem like a sweet, naïve girl, when she is actually the smartest student, second to Narique. She may get a bit violent once you cross the line in teasing her, but that only happens once or twice a year.
Narique is an energetic, lively young woman, though she can be a tad serious when it’s her turn as a leader.
In a few minutes’ time, two younger girls arrived with grinning faces.
“Long time, no see everyone~!” One girl walked up to them, and smiled at them dearly.
Floressa Rosalia, a perky girl who greets everyone with a happy beam on her lips. Moreno obviously didn’t like her, because she is somehow envied by her school because of her kindness and helpfulness, and her beauty too add to it. She had flowing black hair, which was decorated with a special violet strand and a gentle curl. Her eyes are like emeralds when exposed to the sun.
The second girl, Shamara Letizia, a slightly spoiled lady who makes up to every mistake she commits. She is a tidbit richer than the six of them in Class X, so they make use of her money during plays and school projects.
They all took a seat on the chairs in front of the tea table.
“Sorry I’m late!” Marina suddenly burst inside the room, with enough force to have the doors close by themselves.
Maria Piscina, the most popular amongst us all. It seems that she has already appeared in TV several times for concerts and stage performances and so on. She is friends with the other popular girls with the school, thus making her the most sociable. Her flowing pink tresses didn’t give out a lot of radiance than her ruby-colored irises. It appeared slightly creepy, but her whole personality isn’t.
“So, what will we talk about?” Apolinaria said, putting down her teacup daintily and placing it on the table.
“How was your summer everyone?” Narique asked optimistically, drinking her tea all at once without choking at all.
“It’s a bit boring,” Floressa whined, crossing her legs after she sipped on her tea.
“Yeah, the summer workshops I took didn’t help me in any way!” Shamara bleated, sounding as if she took a thousand jobs and didn’t get her paycheck.
“Voice lessons suck,” Marina was not wholesomely complaining, as she was wearing a suspicious smirk, “but I met someone!”
“Who?” The younger ones eagerly asked, not noticing the frown on Apolinaria’s face.
“Shut up, Marina. They’re still too young to know about this,” she said dryly.
Apolinaria and Marina never had a quite pleasant relationship with each other, they were know to be always fighting about anything, most likely boys and relationships, et cetera.
“Oh, sure~! Just because your boyfriend didn’t show up the third time he asked you out for dinner!” Marina snapped rudely, raising a crude eyebrow at the brown-haired woman.
Apolinaria was just about ready to slap the sensitive skin on the other woman’s cheek, Moreno grabbed her wrist and laid her down on the chair before anything drastic happens.
“See, RiRin~? They’re interested in my story. If you don’t want to listen, just stay away from me,” Marina chuckled cruelly, leaving Apolinaria to take control of her twitching fists.
Apolinaria hated that nickname, and even though she keeps on thinking, she can’t find any other horrible nickname to counter. She always gets blocked.
“Just continue with that damn story of yours, I’ll be in the kitchen making tea,” she stood from her seat and placed the tea set on an old, silver tray.
“I bet I can buy a better tray than that deformed thing,”
Oh now Marina went there. She went there.
“Shut your damn mouth! I don’t care if my family lost its fortune during the fire last year and we had to move into Narique’s house! At least the Dirigente let me stay in this school! At least he offered me a scholarship for my hard work! My, I even think he likes ME better than he EVER liked you!” Apolinaria clearly had lost it, as she threw the tea set violently to the ground and took Marina by the shirt.
“HEY!” Narique separated the two from each other, in case their screams could be heard outside the Class, and Disciplinari Custode passed by, “STOP IT. It’s just been the first day of classes! And you’re going to fight during a happy reunion? Just for today, make up, will you? Besides, we’re graduating next year. We should treasure this year very much.” Narique shared glances with all of them, and gave the two who were previously going to engage in a brawl a faint smile.
“W-well. Just for today is fine,” Apolinaria dusted of the dirt from her dress and picked up the fallen fragments of the tea set, “oh my! What trouble I have caused!” She gasped, only realizing now what she had done. She sighed and looked at each other with a nervous smile, “it seems that we can’t drink any tea today anymore…”
Moreno stepped into the scene and sighed. He, too, helped Apolinaria in her petty chore.
“Here, Apolinaria, give those shards to me, I’ll be the one to dispose of them.” Apolinaria gave the remains of the teacup and teapot using the tray. She checked around to see if anything was still on the ground. You can step on small pieces and get injured if that ever happens.
“I’ll just sweep the other pieces off if ever you see any,” chucked Apolinaria.
Moreno nodded as he headed to the trash bin. He waved his hand over the tray to see if any pieces were missing (even if he new it was a bit futile.)
Then, suddenly, a small ray of light emitted from his hand as he put his hand just above the shard.
“W-what’s this?!” Moreno was startled; the light grew brighter and then he started to realize that the light that his hand was producing began to restore the tea set to its form before Apolinaria broke it.
Narique noticed this, and ran towards the slightly frightened Moreno.
“What’s happening?” Narique appeared just above Moreno’s should, and gasped at the amazing sight.
“TH-THE TEA SET!” Narique lifted her trembling finger to point at what was happening.
“Why is Moreno’s hand glowing?” asked Shamara out of curiosity.
“Let’s check it out!” Floressa giggled and ran towards him.
Apolinaria and Marina were the last ones to approach the surprised boy.
“What…is…” Apolinaria was just as surprised as everyone else. Moreno waved his hand around the shattered tea set once more…
“IT’S FIXED! IT’S FIXED!” Floressa started squealing, gasping abruptly between words.
“Oh…my…gosh!” Marina exclaimed, and to think she was just about to buy a better one too.
“W-what did I just do?!” Moreno cried, gave the new-looking tea set to Apolinaria and surrendered on his knees.
Apolinaria observed the tea set from top to bottom, there seems to be no cracks, and no signs of glue either.
“Moreno… how did you…?” Apolinaria tried saying, but it would be no use and it could only anger Moreno.
“…What did I just do…?” Moreno could not keep himself calm, but gave in to his sanity. He started asking for help and screaming, until he heard rustling from the bushes near the bin.
Everyone’s heads turned to the crackling noise. Something was inside that bush for sure, but they did not know what it was.
“Narique, check it out…” Floressa anxiously uttered.
Narique nodded out of goodwill and walked up to the wriggling bush.
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