-Victoria-
Walking into Professor Zekora's office was like entering a hoarder's house. There were stacks of books and papers all over, along with nicknacks from what seemed to be a variety of places. There was even a small Statue of Liberty and one of those red phone booths from London. A clear path was carved out from the door to the desk. Pacing behind the desk was, I assumed, Professor Zekora. She seemed different from everyone I had met so far. Her cloak was a patchwork of blue and red, while her outfit was accented in purple. She looked like the crazy art teacher in high school.
"Professor!" Annamorith all but shouted in excitement, "Look who we found!"
She turned to face us quickly, gasping as soon as she laid eyes on me, her hands flying to her chest. Emotions flowed over her face. First, there was a bit of shock. Then excitement and happiness took over. Finally, confusion and anger came forward.
"What happened?" She asked, "Why are you covered in all this? What's with the white?"
"It was the princess, Professor." Ani explained before I could, "And she's wearing white because she has no kingdom."
"That spoiled little brat!" Professor Zekora sputtered, beginning to pace again, "I will be writing her father immediately! I told him he should have raised that child instead of leaving it to her witch of a mother. A dragon could raise a child better. Oh she will be serving detention with me until the day she leaves this school! Just you wai-did he say you don't have a kingdom?"
"That's what the headmaster said." I replied, still taken aback by the rant.
"And how did he come to this conclusion?" She stopped in front of the desk, leaning back, arms crossed.
"He had the prince and princess reach out with their magic to feel a connection." I explained as best I could, "Neither felt one."
"Neither the prince nor the princess felt a connection." She repeated, seemingly confused, "Are you sure about that?"
"I'm sure," I assured her.
"Interesting..." She went into thought for a second before asking, "Had you already made an enemy of the princess before the test?"
"I think that's a fair assessment." I felt a little down about having made an enemy so quickly.
"That explains it then." She chuckled, going around to sit behind the desk again.
"Does that mean Victoria's meant to be Varezian?" Annamorith asked, suddenly very excited.
"Victoria is kingdomless." The professor declared, "And that might be the best thing for her. She'll be able to attend classes with students from both kingdoms. More importantly, she'll learn about the entirety of Evania. Maybe she'll even be purple. There's far too few of us for how long this school has been around."
"If I can make it to all the classes," I mumbled.
"Let me see your schedule." I handed it to her. She read one line and scoffed, "That vile old man. Ignore this plot for failure, Victoria. Finish classes today with Ani and Annamorith. We'll consider today your first red day. Tomorrow will be your blue day. That'll be the pattern for classes going forward. I will inform the headmaster and the other professors."
She handed me back the paper with my schedule on it. Though she did nothing but read the paper, the document was changed. Color coded and beautifully organized, I now had an alternating two-week schedule. There was even a map at the bottom detailing where to go for which class. There must have been shock on my face when I looked up at her cause she winked at me before a look of remembrance came over her face.
"Oh! In all this excitement I totally forgot, I have something for you." She ruffled through some papers on her desk, pulling out an envelope. I gasped when I saw the front.
"This is from my mother." I said, hugging it to my chest.
"Yes it is." She had a huge smile on her face, "She also sent a package which I had placed in your room."
"How did you get this?" I asked in disbelief.
"Your mother happens to be my best and oldest friend." She replied, still smiling wide, "If you would like to send a letter back, just bring it to me. I'll see it delivered. Off you go, wouldn't want to be late for your next class."
"But Professor, her clothes." Ani pointed out.
"Ani, you must learn to be more observant," She leaned forward, eyes wild, "I cleaned her clothes as soon as I saw her standing there a mess."
Looking down at my clothes, sure enough they were as clean as this morning. The three of us must have looked rather ridiculous standing there. Professor Zekora started laughing, waving for us to leave.
"You three will learn much," She said, "But only if you make it to your next class."
"You're our next class, professor." Annamorith pointed out, "So if you're still here, then we have time to make it to class."
"But am I still here?" She sat back, her chair beginning to spin.
In the blink of an eye, she was gone. We just stared at the now empty chair, eyes practically bulging out of our faces. We shared a look and bolted out the door. I fell behind them so I wouldn't get lost as we sped through the halls over to the professor's classroom. Annamorith even clipped one of the princess's minions, causing her to fall. Serves them right. We skidded to a halt inside Professor Zekora's classroom. She was just casually sitting behind her desk, grading papers. She glanced over her glasses, a subtle smirk on her face.
"Sit where you like." She said, "Class begins in about ten minutes."
I took a seat next to Ani with Annamorith on the other side. They started chatting about how amazing the magic was that Professor Zekora pulled off. I tuned them out, deciding instead to read my mother's letter.
Dear Victoria, it read, I hope you've settled into Pelmora. I'm not sure when Zekora will be able to give this to you. You can trust her. She is and always will be my best friend. She helped me leave Evania. There is so much I wish I could tell you. I'm sure you'll jump at the chance to learn of your father and why I left. I hope you never find it though. And don't try asking Zekora, she won't tell you. I sent you a care package. It has your favorite snacks, some "normal" clothes, your Harry Potter books cause I know you'll make a lot of references that your friends won't understand, and your phone. You won't be able to call but it'll be good to keep you on time. It's barely been a day and I already miss you. It's very lonely here now. Try not to worry about me. Just do your best and learn all you can. Write me back as soon as you can. Zekora will send it for you. I love you more than anything. Hugs and kisses, Mom.
Tears welled in my eyes. I sniffed and wiped them clean. Glancing up at the professor, I saw her staring at me with a sad smile. Her face suddenly went very neutral. She mimed for me to hide the letter. I just managed to stow it in the inside pocket of my cloak when the door swung open loudly. I heard the loud chatter of the princess and her group as they entered the classroom. One of the girls bumped into my chair, almost sending me flying, much to the group's amusement. I turned slightly to see that the princess sat two seats behind me with a circle of girls around her all chatting and laughing. She looked smug as she whispered something to the girls in front and next to her. Soon enough, the message was passed around the circle. Then the pranks started.
It was like hundreds of tiny electric shocks were shooting all over my back. I wouldn't say it hurt, but it definitely wasn't comfortable. I didn't react though. I knew that's what they wanted. The electric shocks stopped and were replaced by an intense feeling that was somehow hot and cold. I started to writhe in my chair slightly at the uncomfortable feeling. Clearly, this wasn't the reaction they wanted cause that was also replaced. Out of nowhere, I was overtaken by the feeling of thousands of invisible bugs crawling on and in my skin. I jumped out my chair, trying to shake off the invisible bugs, shocking my friends and amusing everyone else. The amusement, and prank, was cut short by shrill screams. I quickly turned around to see all the girls, including the princess, on their feet, hands waving frantically.
"Let that be lesson one," Professor Zekora said, causing all eyes to turn to her, "Misuse of magic will not be permitted in this class. If I catch you doing so, your spell will be returned to you tenfold. No matter who you are. Take your seats now ladies."
We all returned to our seats, as Professor Zekora came to stand at the very back of the class.
"Welcome students," She said before disappearing in a blink, reappearing in front of the room, "to advanced magic. In this class, you will learn how to truly control and manipulate the energy inside you. The concepts and strategies that come easiest to you will make a fine career. I happened to be a jack of all trades, meaning the teaching career was the best path. Today, using the objects in front of you, we will embark down the path of the spy. A path most of you would prefer to walk, but the majority won't be able to grasp the concepts needed. I would, now, like you all to turn the objects in front of you invisible, but only to other people. Anyone can turn something invisible to all, but it's much harder to make it selective. Give it a go and remember I'll know if you're lying about being able to see it."
While everyone else got to work, I just sat there awkwardly since I had no object plus no idea where to start. Professor Zekora approached me.
"Since this is far too advanced for someone with no experience," She began explaining, "I want you to start at the beginning. Reach inside yourself and find the energy, the magic, and pull it into your hands, forming it into a ball. Give it a try. It may take you a few tries."
So I sat there, eyes closed, eyes open. Trying and failing to feel this energy that's supposed to be there. By the end of class, I was defeated, and it must have showed on my face cause my friends comforted me along with the professor. They all assured me it would just take time. The princess overheard and laughed.
"She must not have any magic," She said, "That's why she doesn't belong to a kingdom."
Before the professor could scold her, a man in a blue uniform appeared out of thin air, startling everyone except the professor. He simply handed me a letter, nodded to the professor, and disappeared again.
"That was the prince's best friend and future spy master," I heard someone whisper behind me.
"What's it say?" Annamorith asked.
I opened it. Dear Victoria, it read, I've heard you've struggled with reaching your magic. I would like to offer my assistance, tonight, after dinner, in the library. I will be waiting. Azax.
I didn't answer the stream of questions about the letter. I just stowed it with the other one and left the classroom quickly, my friends following closely, still asking away. The princess was bright red with anger, but it didn't matter. Tonight, I meet the prince.