CURSED: The Last of Five Kingdoms.

Episode15-Leaving for school(PRT2)

“Hello, dear,” she says. “First time at Rayvin Academy? It gets a little frightening. You'll get over it.” She points at Cross five.

“Yes,” said Melody. “The thing is — the thing is, we don’t know how to —” How to get onto the Cross?” she has this overwhelming pity and kindness in her voice and the kids nod.“Not to worry,” she says. “All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between Cross five and six. Don’t stop and don’t be scared, tap that red button twice. Not once, not thrice but twice, you’ll crash into it, that’s very important. Best do it at a bit of a run when crashing into if you’re nervous. Go on, go now kids before the second train leaves.”

“Er — okay,” says Melody.

"Thank you, ma'am," says Harry. Mael arranges the kids in a straight line, helping the younger kids get over before the older ones. Now it is his turn. He pushes his trolley around and looks at the barrier. It looks very solid. Like he will break a bone or two and still not get over it. He has to do away with this self-doubt. He has helped all the kids to get over including Melody and Harry, why would his case be any different? He starts to walk toward it. People ran into him on their way to their trains but he kept his focus on Cross Five. Mael walks more quickly, breaking into a run. Leaning forward on his cart, he pushes it over and closes his eyes, preparing himself for the crash. He still hasn't felt that painful and bone-breaking feeling. . . he opens his eyes. He made it through.

This place is flooded with people, a steamy engine and honking from the train brought back his attention that he is late.

"Mael, come on. The train is about leaving." Melody waves at him. A sign overhead says Rayvin Highest, noon. Mael looks behind him and sees a solid wall where the barrier had been, with the words Cross five on it. He has overcome one fear, that is great! Now he has to work harder and overcome so many others because this is an introduction to many bumpy roads ahead.

Feeling the environment for a while, taking in the air, the Smoke from the engine drifts over the heads of the chattering crowd, while the train whistles.

Getting on the train with his heavy trunk, the first few carriages are packed with students, some hanging out of the window to talk to their families who got through the barrier with them, some fighting over seats and others already gossiping with partners who they've made friends with Mael pushes his trunk, fighting his way through the crowd until he finds a seat next to Melody and Harry who are looking excited.

“Thanks so much, guys. You've been a great help," Mael mocks, pushing his sweaty hair out of his eyes.

"Hey, nothing personal. Melody was telling me all about Rayvin Academy. She is the fourth generation to attend it. It is her family's alma mater," says Harry

“What’s that?” says one of the students that are sitting close to them suddenly, pointing at Marl’s wrist.

"Ouch!" Mael let out a painful scream.

Due to struggling with the box and his attention preoccupied, he didn't notice that he had cut himself and his wrist is gushing blood.

"He's bleeding,"

Screams and crying from the students who are in the same role as Mael cause the other students to scramble to safety thinking that it is something life-threatening.

"Where is the snake?" One of the students who was napping shouted on top of his lungs, holding a stick.

"Calm down everyone, it is just a scratch. Nothing serious."

The kids' murmur and return to their seats.

Mael feels bad. He hasn't even gotten to his school or anywhere near it and he is already famous for scaring the rest of the students. That one will stay with him for a very long time. Melody takes out a clean piece of clothing from her backpack, bottled water. "You've to come prepared," she says, smiling. Opening the cap of the water, she pours the water on the piece of cloth, then uses the wet surface to clean Mael's bloody hand. Cleaning it completely, the is no opening where he had been cut. It has completely healed up.

"Mael, your hand," Harry exclaims.

"Yes, my hand," Mael is looking away, hitting on his hand, preparing himself for the pain he thinks is about to come when Melody touches it.

"Mael, l.....look, it....heal...gone....how?" Harry shutters, his words barely making sense. Harry is on the floor, unconscious the next moment.

"I thought you are a bug boy," Melody murmurs, "Harry, wake your lazy ass!" She screams into his ear, startling him. She flashes everyone a smile like she is a good girl.

"What? Where is the fire? Put it off!" Harry screams, jumping up from the floor.

Mael looking at his hand, he is beyond shocked. "How? What? Why?" Looking twice at his hand, "how did it happen? The cut is completely gone!" Looking at his hand all over again as if he must have moved the cut to someone where new.

"You are either a werewolf or vampire that is the reason why it healed up." A tall, thin, and gangling, with freckles, big hands and feet, and a long nose but the kind-faced boy says, securing a seat next to Mael, Melody and self-conscious Harry.

"A what now?" Harry asks.

"A werewolf. Do you know the one that howls? During full moon? That bites?"

"Stop. Stop. I get the picture of what you are trying to describe. I know what a werewolf is." Harry says sarcastically.

"My name is Duke."

"Nice to meet you, Duke," Mael says.

Mael is more conscious and attentive to what is happening. He has come to terms with what just happened to him because mum has revealed the entire truth to him. He could easily understand what Duke is saying.

"Then, if he is not a werewolf, he would be a bloodsucking, nightwalker, compiler known as a vampire," Duke explains.

"Hey, dude, you are not supposed to make it that scary. We all know what a vampire is." Harry protest.

"Well, just making sure it sinks. You don't know what you might be dealing with. Hushhhhh, I hear them," Duke makes a scarred face.

Harry jumps on his chair, looking white. "Duke, you are creeping me out," he says, trembling.

"Just joking. But you need to be alert and ready for what is to come. It is the end of the world."

“Oh, him,” says Harry. “I mean, yes, I am. You've no idea how ready." He says in a deep voice, trying to put up a manly attitude. "I am ready for what is about to come. I've been prepared for so long."Yeah, yeah, yeah. We heard you the first time." Melody sarcastically says.

Two boys snarl at Mael, and Mael reddens. Then, to his relief, a voice comes floating in through the train’s open door.

"Duke? Come down briefly for a talk."

"Mum, not now. The train is leaving. Love you so much. Byeeeeee," Duke shouts on top of his lungs through the open window.

Duke's hand slightly goes up and a badge in Silver and black velvet colour with the word P shows.

When he settles down beside Mael," what is that?" Mael asks pointing to Duke's chest.

"Can you keep a secret?" Duke whispers into Mael's ear.

"Sure. Why?"

"I am perfect and I am not supposed to be here. See those two compartments in front?"

Mael who isn't seeing anything nods just to get Duke to get to the end of his story because obviously he can't see a thing because the compartments are hidden.

"I am to be there. That is where the other prefects are. But, I don't like it there. They seem to be unfair sometimes."

"Oh, sorry. Does it get worse?"

"Sometimes. But you will grow to love it, dealing with what you can and ignoring what you can't."

"I get the point," Mael says in a sad voice, remembering his painful past.

"Why Rayvin Academy? Why did you choose to go there? You know it is pretty rare to get accepted into the Academy. Very very rare and from the looks of things, you don't know what you are yet."

"Tell me about it." Thinking for a bit, "can ask you a question?"

"Ask away?

Mael looks at him confused. What is he really talking about?

" I mean, go ahead. Ask your question."

"Oh, is that what you mean? I get the joke now. Does everyone have a spirit guide?"

"Yours should itself?"

"Something like that."

"Yes, we all do. And before you come of age or once you are eighteen, it shows itself. It will help you in the journey of unlocking your powers. It might come in form of a dead relative, an animal, a plant or someone or something you don't know entirely. Of the latter is your case, which means you are being guided by one of the gods. That places you to be an important person. A very important person. It is best if you pamper them because they hold the key to a lot of things. Your potentials. They've more power than you know."

"How do you know all these things?"

"Two semesters in Rayvin Academy and you'll be packed. The school reveals the true potential of everyone. Supernatural or not. Although we have a 0.1 population of the none supernatural. My first time there at the Academy, I was always alone, sad, silent until I started exploring the environment. It is not bad at all. You will definitely love yourself the more for making such a choice." Tilting his head to the side, "on the other hand, your brother doesn't look much of a Rayvin candidate. He looks very ordinary." Fixing his eyes on Melody, "but, she. She has potential. Great potential."

"How can you tell all that by just looking at people."

"You'll find out that the eyes are meant for a lot of things than just physical sight."

A whistle sounds“Hurry up!” families tell their kids, and then the kids hold onto the train, leaning out of the window for their families to kiss them goodbye. Some of the young ones left behind break down in tears, while the siblings on the train comfort them.

The train begins to move. Families are waving, little ones crying and running after the train. Slowly, they fade out of sight as the train gets farther away. Houses flashed past the window.

" I miss you already, mom," Mael murmurs. Hoping that whatever is going to face will be better than what he left behind. A new beginning and a wave to the past.

Mael isn't too excited about this new beginning and he isn't sad either. Just nervous and anticipating what is ahead. Mael notices that Duke has some sort of dark mark on his neck and the collar of his shirt barely covers it. Mael who knows better about how insecure one might feel about a mark knows better not to ask. But in a way, he feels happy that he has seen that people do have scars or marks, whether hidden or not, it will make him feel less insecure about his birthmark.

“I heard you are a great deal,” said Melody, who has settled down beside Mael. “How do you feel about the whole saying the world?”I am horrified. With the fact that I learnt of the responsibility recently, it is like the weight of the world on my shoulder — well, not totally. I've Harry by my side and in a way, I feel lighter, though. Wish I'd learnt of my true nature earlier than this." I can't say I know what it feels like to hold the fate of our world in your hands, but I can say I know how it feels if you are being looked up to,” said Duke. For some reason, he is looking satisfied. “Having to be the first out of four, I need to set a path they would follow and be proud of. Mum and Dad have given their all and it is my turn to pay them back for their kindness. I am lucky and at the same time, I feel like I can't. Too many expectations and that is shaping my life to walk in a particular way so that I don't disappoint those looking up to me. You could say I’ve got a lot to live up to. I try to get really good marks, mind my business and do what am supposed to do. I know that everyone expects me to do well. l hope I live up to their expectations." Keeping quiet briefly, "I hope I haven't said too much. Am I boring you?" He asked staring out of the window.

"Not at all. Apart from Hardy who has been a disaster in my life, you are the third to speak to me for this long. I am interested in what you are saying and I am enjoying our conversation." Mael smiles.

"I don't have a lot of friends so when I see someone nice, I tend to talk a lot."

"It's fine. This is not talking a lot. I appreciate it." Placing a hand on his chin, he seems to be thinking through a decision. "How did you discover what you are?" He finally asks, making up his mind on the decision he has been pondering on.

"Well, according to mum, she said when I was born that I had the tail of a dragon and when it happened my father revealed the true self that he is from a place called Eastend. It is a Kingdom of witches and they are ruled by Witch Daisy who is the highest and most powerful which after Nimshi who turned evil."

Who does your power come from? Within you or there is a source?" Mael asks.

"The interesting thing is that you will learn about the five-kingdom in school. But since you asked, our primary source of power is from our his, Dragon Modu. Although before you can be a witch at birth you must have the tail of a dragon once you are given birth to. But the tell will disappear on its own seven days after your birth. The tail shows that you are a true and pure witch and the god Modu has accepted you."

"And if you get rejected?"

"That is a story you wouldn't want to hear."

"Honestly, all these still sound very foreign to me. I had no idea about this whole thing, our different worlds and the evil we are about to face until less than a week ago when my mum told me some of the stories. In bits and pieces."

"With time, you'll know everything."

Duke gasps, "you mean you had no idea?"

"Not even the slightest, Duke." Looking at Harry who is deep into a conversation with Melody who seems bored out of her mind, "how would he learn? Will he even be allowed in?"

"For him to be here that means he got a letter. So, yes he will be accepted and we have a few Ordinaries and they learn quick enough."

While conversing, they had been carried out of the city and they are now in a rural area with nothing much to see. They run out of conversation and start staring out the window, watching things appear and disappear from view.

"How long is it going to take for us to get there?" Mael who had been looking out the window for a while asks Duke.

"Anytime now, we will be arriving. We are close."

"Don't need to do anything before then?"

"Nothing. Just have your letters, trunks and yourselves. That will be all."

Mael peeps out the window. It is getting dark and the train is slowing down. Almost as of it has arrived at its destination. Mael, Melody and Harry remove letters, goes over their trunks, backpacks once more before adjusting, getting ready to exit the train any moment.

For the first time, a voice echoes throughout the train, "get ready to leave the train in two minutes. You should have with you your acceptance letter and backpack if you have any with you. Leave your trunks or extra luggage on the train, they will be properly searched and sent to the school by proper authorities in charge of safety, security and properties.

" I am anxious," Melody said, stamping her feet while breathing in and out.

"Me too," Harry and Mael echo.

Duke on the other hand is excited although his cheeks are pink and pale. Maybe he is too excited or too anxious. Or, a little of both.

"Everyone exits their compartment." The voice booms again.

They find their way out to the corridor which is already filled with students. The train halts and students struggle their way out of the door and onto the platform.

Mael clutches his letter too tightly that his knuckles turn white. Harry on the other hand is shivering because of cold air that sweeps back and forth in the area. Melody is so excited. Looking around and poking her head into every angle. Duke seems to have vanished.

"Get in line. First years at my left and returning students at my right. Listen out for your names and when called upon, approach with your letter so that you can be admitted in." A hairy short man with two other men who are way taller than him comes forward. He begins to read out names, "Julius Peppers. Anderson Hugin. David Turner. Like Walt. Mute Valley. Valentine Vent." Each person he calls his name, steps forward, presents his or her letter and walk past him and the two men who are standing behind him. "Antigon Hercules," he calls.

Mael who isn't familiar with the new name forgets that that is his new identity and ignores the call.

"Antigon Hercules! " Roars the short man.

"P..........present. Yes!" Shouts Mael, remembering that his mum had told him about the name and the letter he had in his hand has the same name.

The short man brings the large book low, away from his face which his eyes have been focused on. Staring hard at Mael who seems to be melting under the man's look, "look here boy, when I call, you answer. Here at Rayvin Academy, you are always alert. Stepping your feet into this environment is a privilege no one should abuse. Do you hear me?" He screams.

"Y.......yes," Mael replies, trembling.

"Your letter?"

Mael hands it over to him, then he is allowed to pass the two huge men who are standing beside the short man.

"I hope I didn't just get on the wrong side of someone's book. It is too early for me to start being marked. Breath Mael. Breath. You've got this." He murmurs to himself, walking through a dark platform.

Crossing the two hefty men that stood behind lies a dark pathway in which a beam of light is radiating at the end. With courage and a straight face, he walks towards the light. Reaching there, he meets the rest of the students who had gone ahead before him. It doesn't take long before Harry approaches him first and then Melody.

"Follow me. Watch your steps and keep your eyes focused on the path you are walking!" A voice order. A man in a black robe and hat is leading them through a pathway filled with flowers to a door, just as in Mael's dream. Getting there, he knocks twice.

Mael keeps his eyes focused. Looking behind him just as he had done in the dream and the pathway disappears right before his eyes, turning into a large book standing on its own without any support. Of a truth, his dream is now a reality.

"Who is worthy to step into Rayvin Academy?" A deep voice asks with no one in view. The students begin to look around, looking for where the voice is coming from.

"Don't worry. You won't find anyone. Stop searching. He is known as the voice and he is everywhere." The man says in a creepy tone. Intentionally scaring some of the kids.

"How did he know that we were looking for the owner of the voice?" Harry whispers to Mael who is close to him now.

"I hear and see everything," the man replies, making Harry cling to Mael.

"I....thought....how?.....you......" A confused Harry mumbles because the man had been close to the door seconds ago but now he is close to Harry within a twinkle of an eye.

"I am here. There. There. Everywhere." He whispers to Harry which isn't much of a whisper because everyone could hear what he is saying.

The big door that the man had knocked on repeats its question again. "Who is worthy to step into Rayvin Academy?"

"It is I, Bludeck. Teacher of Magic. Controller of dark magic. With me are the first-year students. Pure in heart and ready to learn."

"Oh, the black magic man. And if I refuse to let you in?" The voice asks.

Huffing, "not now, Hunters. Open the door. These kids are hungry and freezing. We need to warm them up."

"So the door has a name?" Harry murmurs.

"Yes, it does. Its name is Hunters. I am Bludeck, your magic teacher and temporary in charge of y'all." In a stern voice, "I hope there won't be any need for me to turn one of you into a toad or pig or bird or flower. You need to be careful there because once it is done, turning you back can be a little difficult." He warns.

The first-year kids are scared out of their bones and practically holding onto one another, tightly.

"He's so scary," Melody whispers to Harry and Mael.

Few seconds the door that Bludeck had spoken to, cracks open. It is dark but the candles, lamps and fireflies everywhere made it look as if it is still daytime because the surrounding is beaming with light. Bludeck leads them through a passageway filled with rocks. They climb a flight of it, causing some of the students to murmur out of frustration and tiredness until they arrive at another door. This time, it is golden and just like in Mael's dream, it has RAYVIN ACADEMY engraved on it. Huge and all golden. Possibly made all out of actual gold. Bludeck knocks once on the door and it opens immediately.

"Is this some made out of real gold?" Harry asks. Of not that Bludeck is in front, Hardy would have rushed to touch and find out if the doors are truly made out of real gold.

"I remember this place," Mael mutters.

"Have you been here before?" Harry asks, astonished. Wondering when Mael came to such a place without his knowledge.

"Oh, not physically. How can I possibly get here? I had a dream about this place two days ago. It had the same structure, pathway, messengers -" he says excitedly, pointing to one of the boys who Humosh had told him were called messengers. "And we came here when it was bright and not dark." Looking around desperately.

"Are you looking for something, Mael?" Harry asks.

"Yes. In my dream, there were women smoking pipe, old women and men even young people crowded everywhere. It is a bit different now, I can't see any of them. My dream and reality are two different things." He murmurs to himself.

When the golden four opens, it opens to a marble white building that towers over the other little buildings. And standing beside it is the boy Marl had seen in his dream. Clever eyes, handsome face, slender body and wearing a uniform of purple velvet and silver. But this time, he isn't standing alone. A woman is standing beside him. She has a very strict and unfriendly face, looking like those teachers you want to be careful with. Sighting her, Mael's heart begins to thump faster than normal. He tries relaxing by breathing in and out while they get closer and closer to the woman who is making him nervous.