Chapter 3: New Classmates

~Tricia

"Tricia Are you sure you're not going to eat?" Miette asks while her mouth was stuffed. We were in the cafeteria, just as they had told me earlier. Or let’s just say that they dragged me here.

"No, I'm still full. Don't be bothered with my presence." I replied assuring them. Actually, I’m salivating while I watched them hog down all the food they ordered. But, I couldn't eat with them because I couldn't remove my mask.

I just can’t.

"Isn't it a little bit awkward? We're the only ones eating, and you're just there staring at us." Jaffy's muffled voice spoke while eating spaghetti. So they're still uncomfortable in that situation, eh? They ate almost everything, and if this plate, spoon, fork, glass, and Chuckie container were only edible, they might chuck it in as well. They ordered as if somebody is throwing a fiesta.

"Miette darling, I'm so full. I can't eat all of this, it'll ruin my figure, and now I have to burn all of these calories." Jaffy wails and pouted as he lowered the spoon, then artistically wiped his mouth with tissue.

"Me too, bestie. Axthon, my baby loves, might not date me anymore if ever he notice the change in my figure." Miette agreed after gulping down a 250ml Chuckie.

Axthon? Is that her boyfriend? Why would he stop dating her if she’ll gain her weight?

“Axhton? Is he your boyfriend?” I curiously ask. She just gave me a dreamy look.

“Hmmm. Not yet but he will be.” Her face flustered. I have this premonition that this Axthon guy is her dream guy and that he didn’t even know that this cute pigtailed girl doesn’t exist. Although, I hope I’m wrong.

“True, when the mountains starts flying. Axthon will marry her.” Miette scoff at Jaffy words. Guess I’m right. Poor Miette.

My gaze fall down to the empty plates scattered on our table. The truth is, I’m confused, were they being well-fed in their houses, or they just happen to have a gorilla inside their stomachs? Given that, only the two of them ate the food that meant for a dozen people really astounds me.

"We just want to see you to eat." Jaffy stated truthfully or more likely defending themselves for the criticisms that I am about to blurt out.

"We're just curious to see what you look like without your mask." Miette elaborated.

I let out a sigh. Okay I see. So this is what is all about. She's right though, how should I eat if I'm wearing a mask? Tsk! Can anyone tell me who coined the term "curiosity" so I can give them a head flick? I heard Jaffy groaned in defeat.

"You know what? You can tell us what kind of air should you be breathing so that I can buy you a tank of it, so you don't have to wear that bullshit?" He bleats and tosses the tissue at the table. I couldn't stop laughing at what he said. Because his face looks like he want to swallow people in whole. Given that he'd only finished eating.

"Can I just look at your face for a second? Simply don't breathe when you take off your mask. Please, even for 5 seconds?" Miette begged, If I hadn't known any better, I would have thought she'd kneel in front of me.

I heave a sigh dejectedly. When I raise my hand as if I'm about to remove my mask, the two of them clap their hand in excitement.

But the soon replace with grumbles of annoyance, when I just adjusted my glasses because they had slid down a bit.

"I'm truly sorry, but I can't. I'm hoping you’ll both understand." I said, dropping the subject. I checked my wristwatch and saw that it was already 1:00 p.m. It's time to move on to the next subject.

"All right lunch time is over, let's get to our next class." I dismissively said, and then I started walking. They both followed sluggishly. They still couldn't get over with their disappointment. I feel bad for them, but now isn't the time for me to show my face. No, not yet.

The next day when I arrived in the classroom with my usual outfit. Miette and Jaffy immediately greeted me.

"TRICIAAAAAAAA!" Miette shouted when she approached me.

"GOOD MORNIIIIIIIING!" Jaffy seconded. They talk to each other with such loud voice as if the both of them where talking from separate mountains

"Ohayo." I said while bowing. They stop blabbering and look at me weirdly.

"What does that mean?" Miette is the first one to ask, her brow furrowed. Not understanding what I just said.

"True. What was that? You're not insulting us, right? Are we a little too rowdy for your liking?" Jaffy added.

"No, Of course not. In Japanese, ohayo means Good Morning." I quickly explain. In case they interpret it differently.

"Aah. I see." Jaffy and Miette nodded. As if they've finally figured out the math formulas and know how to solve it step by step. That's how their faces look like.

"Will you all step aside? You're blocking the door." Someone spoke bitchily from behind, causing us to turn around. Wait, this is the witch from yesterday, the one I really wanted to toss in the garbage can.

"Do you have a problem with it, bitch?" Jaffy crosses his arms. With no sign of backing down.

"Yeah right. You can enter through the other door. It's wide as your mouth. You are free to use it, no one is stopping you." Miette flipped her hair. I just noticed that she no longer wears pigtails.

Uh oh, I smell trouble.

"Hey guys. Let's take a seat. I'm already exhausted from standing." I butted in quickly, so there wouldn't be any more problems. I'm glad that they stood up for me, but I don't want them to get in trouble as well.

"Tsk. Weirdo." She muttered, before entering the room, the sassy witch rolled her eyes on me as she passes by. Jaffy tried to grab her hair but I stop and drag him to our respective chairs.

"I really want to crop her hair until she's bald, that ugly witch Cheska." Jaffy sighed and sat down.

"Yeah, she's just pretty with all that make-up on." Miette, who had also taken her seat.

"Hey it’s already eight thirty, Prof is still not here. Do you know why?" I asked the two because our class was supposed to start at seven, but it had been passed one and half hour and still no sign of our professor. They simply shrugged in response to my question,

The door swung open unexpectedly after five minutes.

"I apologize, class. I'm sorry for being late. I just finished sorting papers because some students had to change classes. They will be your new classmates, so please be nice to them." So, that explains it.

That got me thinking. Is it okay to change classes in the middle of the semester? Shouldn't they have waited until the semester was over before shifting? Strange. Our professor walked up to the door and motioned for them to enter.

"Oh my Gosh!”

"Aaaaaaaaah"

My female classmates, including Miette and, of course, Jaffy, squealed. What the hell is going on? What's the matter with them? I bent down and covered my ears. Gosh! They’re worst than a hoard of banshees. I didn't even get to meet my new classmates.

"Oh my goodness! Tricia, my baby loves, he's here!" Miette squeal as she shook me. So I raise my head and look at our new classmates. When I saw them, my eyes widened and my jaw literally dropped.

What are they doing here? Oh, shit! The three of them were the ones I saw in the black forest yesterday.

"EVERYONE BE QUIET!" When our professor shouted while banging his palm on his table, my classmates immediately fell silent. I still can't take my gaze away from them, especially the one who had locked his gaze on me. Maybe he remembered me. Base on my attire, I’m hundred percent sure that I stick out like a sore thumb.

I immediately look down and suddenly found that my work books are more interesting than the people standing in front. Though I keep on throwing stolen glances on them.

"Introduce yourselves first, then find your seats." Prof. stated.

"Hello, ladies." He hadn't even finished when the girls began to scream once more. Our Professor had to reprimand them again before they quieted. The cute guy with a fading face bruise continued his self-introduction.

"My name is Raynel Kiezler Mondego 21, and I'm here to serve you." He said this while winking at the girls and overdoing a bow. The chinky eyed guy coughed.

That drew their attention as they are about to scream. Seriously? Who exactly are these guys?

"Hey, what's up. Axhton Diego Emperial, 21." He shortly said.

"Axhton my loves." Miette shouted and dreamily sigh but he ignored her.

This girl is hopeless.

As usual the girls shriek again.

Then, all of a sudden, everyone fell silent as the guy with the almond-shaped eyes stood in the center. His dark aura spreads throughout the room. Nobody dared to move or even squeak.

"Seth." That was all he said. His voice was hard and cold, like steel. Seth? Is it just Seth? Is there nothing else? Seth what?

"Okay, then. You three are free to take your seats." Our professor chimed in. They shuffled to the back because it was where the vacant seats are available.

"What made the three of them to shift courses? Do they want to be teachers as well?" Miette turn on me. Is she really asking me that? Do I look like I know them? I just shrugged and turned my attention to my professor, who began talking.

~Someone’s Persona

"Boss, young master has arrived from Europe." One of my men informed me. Finally, the one that I have been waiting for too long has come.

"Let him in." I commanded and he immediately went.

The double door opened and he entered. He bowed before speaking.

"You call for me, Father." He said as he settled down in front of me.

“It’s time.” I told him. A smile creeps into his mouth as he tap his fingers on my table.

"It’s time for us to be reunited." I continue. His grin widens and cluck his tongue.

"Of course I will, Father. I cant wait to see her again." He obediently answered. It’s been a while since then. It’s time to pay her a little visit.

My thoughts went back to her. It is only a matter of time before we finally meet again. I wonder how she’s living her life after what happened ten years ago. Is she sleeping well? Eating? Laughing? Have she moved on already? Did she forget about me?

I laughed at the thought. I doubt that.

No, that’s not possible.

I think she’s living her life the other way around.

She might change her name. Try to live a normal life and move on with her life but I know she have never forgotten me. Every time she looks at the mirror, she’ll definitely remember me. I made sure of that. She might not have seen my face but she knows my voice and what I did and she’ll recognize me immediately once we meet again.

I have written my mark on her face.

~Axhton

I'm still bored as hell. Seth's decision to change course is nothing but a punishment. But this jerk next to me is quietly entertained by view. It's raining hot chicks here in the Education Department. This is not a punishment to him, it’s a blessing.

"Shifting courses is a blessing in disguise." Raynel said as he looked at the short skirts of our female classmates. Pervert! The scowl on my face deepened as I stare ahead blankly.

Boring. Boring. Boring. Boring. Boring. My mind chants repeatedly.

I almost jump in delight when I feel my phone vibrated, I took it out immediately from my pocket.

<Text Messages>

From: Underlings

Battle arena. Trinity Gang VS. A girl with a tattoo on face.

Normally, we don't give a damn about who fights in the Battle Arena. Tonight, however, would be different.

I tap Raynel on the shoulder, who was busy drooling over the exposed legs of my new classmates.

"What, Axhton, don't you see I'm busy?" He irritably thwacked my hand away.

"Fight later in the Battle Arena." I said, ignoring his reaction.

"I don't give a fucking damn! As long as it had nothing to do with us. Just fucking leave me alone." Raynel gritted, not sparing me a glance.

"All right, your call. Maybe I'll go all by myself tonight and watch Trinity Gang fights a woman with a tattoo on her face. Hmm." I pretended to be talking to myself, but the truth is that I was only trying to get their attention.

“I wonder who’s going to win, Trinity is pretty tough opponent for a lady.” They immediately turned their heads when I mentioned tonight's contenders.

I raised my brows innocently and put on a puzzled look.

Seth is the first one to ask.

"Who told you that?" See what I mean? I know it'll pique their interest.

"One of our underlings texted me." I replied, letting him read the text message from my phone.

"What time?" Seth asked, handing back my phone.

“I'm not sure,” I shrugged.

"Eight tonight." We turned to face Raynel when he spoke, he was busy fiddling with his cellphone. Well, what to expect from a techy boy.

"We're going." He said as he stand up to leave. Our class isn't even over yet. Tsk! How rude. The class had just started, and he was already on his way out.

~Violet

I was just staring at myself in the mirror, staring blankly with my unusual pair of eyes. All I have to say is FREAK! I'm the result of a laboratory experiments. They treated me like a rat with their fucking experiments and plastered this fucking tattoo on my face that will not be erased no matter what I do.

I will never forgive him. I sigh and look away from my reflection.

I have a fight at eight, and I’m already dressed even though it was only six. I'll fight in a place called Underground City, which sounds intriguing. I've heard it's a place not for fainted hearts, a place where power and strength are everything.

I'd like to take a visit on that place. To keep my mind away from him. To take some steam off my nerves.

I scanned myself. I wear a fitted black leather jeans, paired with a white crop top, black leather coat which I leave the zipper open, and six inches knee high boots. I also wore my long, violet hair in a high ponytail letting my curls hung loose at the tip.

I let my face bare of anything. My strange eyes stared back at me as I drag my eyes back to the mirror. I almost forget what I look like before. Back when from the time that I am still a normal person.

Her face re-surface to my mind. I miss her terribly.

Now is not the time to be sentimental so quit moping.

I immediately leave the house once I'm satisfied with my appearance. It's only seven in the evening and I still have plenty of time before the fight begins. I didn't bring any of my cars because I'm sure I'll get a new one later.

I drown myself at the night when cool breeze hit my face as I stepped outside.

As I was walking down the street. A boisterous laugh caught my attention. The laughter came from the narrow alley in which I am heading, since it is the only shortcut I know to the underground city. I keep my head down and continue to walk, trying not to disturb them.

"Hello, Miss Beautiful, where are you going?" Buffoon number one with a glass of liquor in his hand called out on me. I heard the others whistled. He stand up staggering his way towards me.

He tried to reach for my arms but I swiftly side step.

Guess like I’m having a little stop over.

"Would you like to join me in hell?" I look up and responded with a sweet smile and chuckles. He was taken aback from my appearance, but it was replaced with a grin when his gaze travel down to my expose skin.

Tsk. Men will always be men. They don’t care about appearances as long as they can stick their thing in to any type of tight hole.

"Don't be like that, do you want us to take you to heaven instead?" Goon number two swayed his way to us. Heaven their face! They don't belong in there!

"You're a picky little thing, aren’t you? Oh, darling, sorry but heaven isn't for you. Hell did." I cooed as I turned away from them. I was about to walk away when someone grabbed my shoulder.

That stop me for a bit. I look down on his grimy fingers and to his face. What I despise the most is when someone holds me without my permission.

"Don't turn away from us, miss. We're still talking." Goon number one uttered in annoyance. The hell I care. I don’t give a bloody damn on what they’re going to say.

I sweetly smile though I harshly remove his dirty hand off from my shoulders. Giving it a tight squeeze. His face subtly contorts in pain.

"Really?" I asked, smiling innocently at him. That provoked him to growl back at me, exposing his rotten teeth. I exhaled and threw him against the wall without saying anything. In an instant, the dummy fell asleep. Tsk! Weaklings.

That alerted his other companions. They immediately stand and took their weapons from the side as they approached me. They’re holding baseball bats and wooden paddles.

Tsk. Cowards. Didn't they know it's a bad idea to hurt a woman? Because when a woman is hurt, she becomes strong. The more she’s hurt, the stronger she’ll become. Till to the point that she’d be invincible and nothing else can hurt her.

I learned that in a hard way.

I smirk and put one hand in my pocket while casually inspecting my nails on the other. As if I were more concerned with my nail arts than with them.

I still have time before my fight begins. Stretching before fighting isn’t a bad idea.

"Don't you seem a little smug for a small girl?" Said the fuckwit with a monkey face.

"Hmmm, I'm not brave. I'm just not scared of your monkey face." I mock. He seemed especially angry with me because of what I said. He swung his bat at me right away. Oh, uh! Buddy, you made a terrible mistake.

Very, very wrong.

I let my reflexes take over. I quickly knelt and kicked his legs. I grab his bat and strike him hard with it, breaking both of his legs. He lands howling on the ground. But I'm not done yet. I grab his hair, turn his head, and slam it into the pavement.

I punch the one who tried to grab my hair.

I swing my heels to the person at my back who tried to hit me with his wooden paddle.

I bend over when I feel a punch coming my way.

I crouched down to avoid a kick and sweep his feet.

Blow from blow. Over and over again. Tsk! Their clumsy attacks were so damn easy to predict. Tsk! What a bunch of knuckleheads. All they had were just frightening and bulky frame, but they were all dumb.

I caught them off guard! Bloodied and strewn around the ground.

"Uhrrggg." A groan coming from the first goon I hurled against the wall. It seems that someone has returned from the dreamland.

"Oh hello! Good morning." I mockingly chirped.

"B-boss!" Exclaimed the monkey whose legs I had broken. Crawling near him, the others were regaining consciousness as well.

Oh, please. Spare me the drama.

With rolling eyes and I flipped my hair, I wipe the imaginary sweat on my forehead. I approached their weak-ass leader and pulled him by the collar.

"Remember my face and this tattoo you dummy, cause this day forward I will be your master. You and your useless gangmates will be my slave. You understand?" I said, looking hard at him. I grabbed his jaw and took a dagger that I always hid inside my boots. I carved a letter 'V' on his face. It stands for Violet. I tap the wound I made.

"Aarrgghh!" He cried out in pain.

Oh, my, my. Music to my ears.

"I made that mark on your face to show that I owned you. You can't hide or flee from me because I'm going to chase you all down, even if it means going to hell." I said and stood up, dropping him carelessly. Then I remembered I still had a fight to attend to. I immediately looked at my wrist watch and cursed when I saw the time.

Shit! Just a fucking shit! It’s already eight o’clock. Fuck! Why am I always running late?

A motor bike came into view. I quickly stand in the middle of the road with my arms spread wide, blocking it. The driver almost didn't make it in time and nearly hit me, but I made no move. Not even a flinch. The front tire lightly touched my sole, causing him to curse angrily.

"Fuck miss! If you're going to kill yourself! Don't drag anyone else along with you!" He yelled at me as he removed his helmet.

What a blabbermouth! I don't have that kind of luxury! No, not right now.

"Stop talking and hand over your bloody bike." I said blankly, trying to hide my annoyance. He look at me as if I've grown three heads, but I haven't made a single move. I can't say I blame him. But I'm running late and desperately need a ride. I rolled my eyes as he stared at me. I guess I will have to do this the other way around.

"Miss, are you insane? What's the matter with you—urgh!" I didn't catch the rest of his words, cause I smacked him across the face with a hard punch.

I pushed him aside and quickly hop on the bike then take off at full speed. The sudden speed caused the front tire to lurch upwards, and was on the road in no time.

I told you I didn't need to bring my car because I can get a fucking ride whenever I want it.

AND I'M TOTALLY FUCKING LATE!