"Hey wait I don't think—"
The woman threw the lever forward. "Way down we goooo!"
Click-doom!
The lift shuddered before it plunged, as the floor had escaped beneath my feet.
I sucked in a gasp as my stomach flipped.
My back was pressed against the wall as I watched the floors whizz by. I closed my eyes as I tightened my grip on the cage wall.
I'm gonna die.
My first day of school and I'm gonna die to a crazy, adrenaline-fueled, manic. Why does that sound familiar?
About ten floors from hitting the first floor the woman pulled back the lever. A series of clicks filled the air, and a loud screech followed.
SKRIEEEEEEE!
The lift jerked as it slid to a stop.
And then everything stopped at once.
Followed by an audible ding.
The brass gates slowly opened with a soft rattle. "Here you are, first floor."
I peeked one eye open. The woman extended a hand outside as she gave me a warm smile.
I stared at her for a long time.
Her grin widened. "Did you forget something on your floor? I wouldn't mind—"
I scrambled out of the elevator as I pulled on my jacket to straighten it. Then I glared at her over my shoulder.
"I look forward to caring for you tomorrow as well." She bowed and pulled the lever back up. I watched as she ascended with a frown.
This entire continent is filled with idiots.
I emerged from the tower lobby. Outside students of all ages walked the grounds.
I made my way through the crowds and into the main tower. The lobby was quiet with only the soft clicks of shoes against polished tiles.
There was a front desk with three staff members behind it. And about six students were in line.
One of the students looked to be a nervous first-year student. "I-I forgot where the auditorium is, miss."
The woman behind the desk pointed to the left. There was a long hallway filled with windows on the outer wall and rooms on the inner wall.
"Keep straight and look for a set of double doors near the lifts."
I followed the directions without bothering the staff. As I walked down the hall my gaze drifted out to the massive courtyard outside.
This place really was massive. Like a city within a city. Hard to believe I'll be spending six years here.
As I was lost in thought I bumped shoulders with an older student in a white uniform. He looked to be a second-year student.
"Excuse me," I said as I looked into his eyes. They were brown and had large bags underneath them.
He looked down at me with a frown. "Look kid, if you wanna challenge me, wait your turn in line."
He walked off with a yawn.
I stared at his back as he walked off. Hard to believe pages were already slipping. Oh well.
Eventually I found a large set of double doors near the lifts. The doors were already open with stairs that descended into a large cavernous hall.
It was packed with rows upon rows of seats all centered around a massive stage.
On the ceiling were massive chandeliers, and on the stage were several professors and members of staff.
They sat at tables and were surrounded by stacks of paper.
The first years were gathered around the stage. Students had their names called and would march up to the stage to receive a thick letter.
Then they'd exit the auditorium.
I walked down towards the crowd of first years and blended in. The air was filled with hushed conversation.
"I'm so excited for my assignment."
"I hope I get Professor Linda, she seemed so nice."
"And she has a nice butt."
"Victor Fuma Blaze!" Another name was called and a boy walked on stage.
A hand squeezed my shoulder. I turned and looked into Reinhardt's eyes. He had a strange glint in them. One I couldn't place.
"Guess what?"
I brushed his hand aside as I fully turned to face him. "Hm?"
"My position as a page is practically guaranteed."
He placed a hand on his hip. "My elite scholar is a battle junkie and if I keep up? I'm set."
I nodded. "That's great, I guess."
Reinhardt tilted his head. "What's wrong? Is your elite scholar a prick or something?"
"James Hyde Tide!" Another name was called.
I shook my head. "No, Lance is fine I guess. I'm practically guaranteed my position too."
"Reinhardt Faluh Tide!" The woman called. Reinhardt sighed softly as he backed away.
"We'll catch up later," he said. He jogged up on stage and took his letter. I hummed. So Triton really was his grandfather.
But wait, doesn't that mean he's the son of either Ren or Darya? I'll have to ask later.
"Himithy Him Terra!"
"Lafayette Dumica Tide!"
I detached myself from the crowd and walked up onto the stage. A middle-aged woman with large bifocals looked up.
She extended a thick, wax-sealed envelope towards me with my name scribbled on the front.
"Take this and head to the cafeteria on the second floor. You can eat and open it there."
I took the envelope with a nod and exited the auditorium. I made my way to a lift. The operator inside was an older man with a long mustache.
I felt like I could trust him.
"Second floor," I said as I stepped inside.
"Right away, sir." The brass gates closed as he pulled back on the lever. The lift slowly crawled up. But it wasn't long before we reached the second floor. "Here we are."
The cafeteria was enormous. It literally encompassed the entire floor and was surrounded by windows that looked down on the courtyard.
Tables were placed everywhere with some packed and others bare. But one thing I noticed is that the space was split between affinities.
Fire users say with fire users.
Water users say with water users.
With the only exception being pages and elite scholars. Who seemed to sit wherever they wanted.
On the back wall was a large kitchen with a front counter that had fresh food behind a glass. A line of first-years stood near to get their meals.
I stepped off the lift and approached the line.
Rienhardt spotted me and waved me in front of him. I took the spot without much fuss. "So," he began. "Are you going to open your letter now?"
"No," I replied dryly as I stepped forward in line.
Reinhardt blinked. "Aren't you curious though?"
I looked over my shoulder and shrugged. "Kinda, but what's inside won't change whether I open it now or later. So I'd rather just eat first."
Reinhardt looked down at his own letter and gripped it. "Hm, I suppose."
"Hey."
He looked up. "Hm?"
"Do you know Lady Darya?" I asked.
I kept my tone uninterested.
"Yeah, she's my aunt." He smirked. "Speaking of, I noticed she's been talking with Lady Lilith a lot. There are even some rumors…"
"Rumors?"
Reinhardt nodded.
"Some people think they're in talks with a Tide house from a different kingdom." He leaned close. "You're Lilith's son, is there any truth to that?"
Well, are Lilith and Darya in talks? Yes. But it's more in the lines of replacing his father, Ren.
Damn it, am I supposed to tell him this? What happens if I expose Lilith and Darya? Would I be wrapped up in it too?
Eh, I should hold onto this information for now. I'm sure a time will come when I can reveal it, especially if it helps get Lilith off the board.
"Not that I know of." I finally answered.
Reinhardt narrowed his eyes. "You hesitated," he noted.
A soft sigh escaped him as he shrugged. "But, I guess you have your reasons."
It was my turn to receive my breakfast. The lunch lady handed me a tray that looked both expensive and cheap.
What I mean is that the food looked delicious, though it was arranged like it was prison chow.
With my tray in hand, I made my way to a corner table and took a seat with the water users. Reinhardt sat with me with a heavy sigh.
Before he touched his food, he picked up his letter and opened it. He pulled out a small booklet with a white cover.
Five folded maps.
A paper with a schedule on it, and lastly a small card with the school's anthem.
Reinhardt picked up his schedule first. His eyes rolled down the page. Eventually, he lowered the sheet with a grin.
"Oh yeah, it's all coming together."