Chapter 6
The class atmosphere changed the next day. The other students greeted Lauren with smiles and waves. She still sat in the center of the room with Edmon and Demeatral flanking her but there was a less stressful feel.
Professor Garvin gave Lauren a set of textbooks to use for class. "These are for your home reading and writing assignments for this class. They should be very helpful. In class, your Classmates will be introducing you to each creature by introducing you to themselves, their nation, and an unbiased description of their natural enemies." The class grumbled but after a stern look, quieted. "What you might not know is that everyone in this class is new to each other." Lauren was shocked. "They were all brought here for you. I know there was a disgruntlement because Edmon and Demeatral were chosen to be your main support, but I think after today, everything will be cleared up. Edmon, introduce yourself."
Edmon stepped forward. "Greetings. I'm High Prince Edmon DeMonjan, of the fairies." He materialized into his fairy size and then back to his human size. Everyone whispered. They had heard the rumors of Edmon refusing the throne and passing the crown to his younger brother. He continued. "I have been Lauren's guardian since she was born. I have observed her literary growth and I was privileged to bring her here." He sat down. That clearly made him the best choice to be Lauren's #1 guardian. He would know things nobody else would learn for years. Plus, he was royalty.
"That's enough for now. We will go into your details later. Demeatral." Professor Garvin said.
Demeatral stood. "I'm Princess Demeatral Childs, of the Light Elves. I have been Lauren's guardian since she was 10. That was when she created my power in 5th grade. She wrote a poem of power and attached it to my elfin form. My parents sent me to her as her protector." The connection between the two of them was like a rope of green light when Demeatral infused her power into it. #2 guardian status totally made sense. Demeatral was actually an extension of Lauren. They strengthened each other.
Lauren had no idea either of them was ever around. " Did you know each other was watching me?"
"Not until you made your wish. You have powerful thoughts." Ed
"I know. isn't it cool? Because she created my ultimate power, I will always know where she is, and Lauren, if you ever have a need, you can call my name and I will pop to your side."
"Now, it should be clear why they are her main support." Professor Garvin stated. "Who wants to be next?"
"Wait. They didn't tell me about their nation or enemies." Lauren cut in.
"They are with you every day. They can tell you more details later." That was very true.
"Next." One by one the other students introduced themselves.
Davis the unicorn, along with Sam, Charles, Byron, Jon, Guy, Chris, Frank, Grant, Peter, Patrick, and Tom came up as a herd. "We are in competition to become your most used steed. Our biggest enemies are a small group of unicorns that love to run free and cause problems for others. They would rob people in the real world and steal young girls from their families. The Keeper put a stop to them, and we chose to serve the next keeper. Most of us are from the Indus Civilization. It is the largest herd of unicorns around. Tom, Jon, Chris, Patrick, Peter, and Charles are not from Indus. The rest of us are father and son pairs. The competition will be this Friday. "
"It will be interesting to learn who's the father and who's the son."
"That information will come out during the races and you will learn more about the other unicorns during the races as well," Professor Gavin said sternly."
"I guess that will be a sight to see," Lauren replied.
"Dragon." the professor said.
"My name is Gerald. I am a gold crystal dragon. The only enemy I have are other dragons, witches, and humans." He grumbled. "We are solitary animals that only commit to one being in our lifetime. You will not choose me. I will choose you." Lauren waited for him to go on, but he didn't.
"You left off a very important point about who you are," Professor Gavin said.
"Yes, well." He cleared his throat. "I am the king of the dragons," Gerald replied Lauren turned to look at him but he still wasn't giving any more details.
"That's a very big point to leave out," Lauren said.
Two Pegasuses were next. "Zen and Zenith here. There are not many of us left. We are a mated pair. When one of us dies so does the other. We are pregnant and have twins due. For a while, we were hunted because of our ability to fly and because we could transport goods. We were saved by the keeper and decided to stay and serve the next keeper." Zen stated. Zenith was so proud.
"Congratulations and high hopes," Lauren replied. Professor Garvin smiled because she knew the proper reply for these beautiful but superstitious creatures.
A group of 12 large men stood next. "We are your bear guard." One named Kento said. "You can get to know our names over time. We're your first line of defense. Anyone that attacks you are our enemy. We can always be found together because we're family. We're all brothers. We hail from the highlands and dark forests. We don't have many enemies because we are always together." The lot of them transformed. "Who would be crazy enough to try to fight a sleuth of bears?" They transformed back and sat down.
"That would be a bit much to handle," Lauren observed.
The wolves were next. 12 sinewy men stood. "We're your wolf pack. We will run with you and protect your perimeters. Most of the time you won't know we are there. Just like the bears, we don't make enemies but at one time we didn't get along with vampires." The spokesman, Damon stated. He looked over at the professor. "Thankfully, things change."
Next, six hazel-eyed ladies stood. "We're your health and nature sprites. My name is Shirley. I am the lead. Everyone is our enemy. Most of our kind have been hunted and captured because we give long life. When we are not at the palace, we stay hidden in your clothes. Don't worry you won't know we are there until you need us. As much as we heal and nurture you, you are our only line of defense." They sat down. Lauren could tell that the small group of women was truly important for her to keep alive. She could also see the fearsome pride they carried.
"My name is Cartrell. I'm a lion." You will only have one of me in your support. King of the beast. Enough said." The bears and wolves grumbled but said nothing. Lauren figured a one-on-one conversation will have to be had to get more details out of him.
"I'm Levi. I'm an alicorn. Last pure one of my kind. I now must choose from Pegasus or unicorns to procreate. You can create an alicorn for me." This shocked Lauren.
"She might try once she is more skilled." Professor Garvin clarified. That appeased the alicorn.
"Because of our magic, the alicorns have been all but exterminated. At one time, everyone was our enemy except the dragons. They have their own magic."
"I'm Talya. I'm a Harpy. I was once the enemy to all here, but I am now a loner. My species has a hive mind. It's what drives us crazy and makes us hate. The keeper helped me to separate from my hive. I'm independent now but I can sense all evil from a far distance."
"I am Mo." I am ogre. I hurt no one ever again. I am your back." Lauren looked at the harpy and the ogre and realized they were the ones that were fighting Edmon and Demeatral in her test.
"I'm MaGayla. I am a magician. I'm human and well-trained. I have been in the world of imagination for a very long time. I grew up with your grandmother, Beatrice."
I hope I get a chance to ask her about my grandmother. Lauren thought.
"That's everyone. Your whole inner team for now. It will change as you change. Lauren you will need to get to know everyone and become comfortable with them. If any make you uncomfortable, you must let it be known. Don't try to shelter your feelings or not to hurt theirs. Speak your discomforts. Understand?" Professor Garvin probed.
"Yes. I understand."
"I hope so, because discomfort while you are learning your powers could lead to disaster."
"I will let you or Evandalyn know if I am uncomfortable."
"Good. That's all for today. Read your text tonight. We will discuss Unicorns, Pegasuses, and Alicorns tomorrow." The books disappeared. "They will be in your room."
"Thanks. I will."
With that, the class moved on to spying and technology. Lauren sat in her cubicle and Ezra popped on the screen. "Hello, my lady. Today we are going to wire your spiritual energy to the web."
"What? How? That sounds dangerous. I don't want to be wired to the web. I like my anonymity." Lauren said.
"I can tell. You have a very small presence on the real-world internet. Thanks, by the way. I didn't have to work hard to clean you off completely."
"Okay. So, if you are removing my presence, what are you talking about?"
"I have removed you from the real-world internet. I would never make it easy for anyone to find you. That was the best reaction." Ezra laughed so hard he blinked off the screen.
"Oh, that was a tech joke." Lauren realized.
"Yes. Sorry." Today, find Waldo. Tomorrow see if you can find yourself." Lauren laughed and began to look for Waldo. The tasks were really helping her learn how to use the computer better.
Then to the aviary for surviving nature. Again, the wisps were around but this time, they didn't affect Lauren. She was able to let one land in her hand. It purred and sprayed glitter because it was happy to be able to be near her and not hurt her. "Now that's much better," Valentine stated. "Wisps are so cute. They can be very helpful when you get lost."
Everyone went into the aviary and sat down. Valentine carried in a small cage. "Well, we all know that pets are wonderful and comforting. Today, you get to create your own pet."
"What? I don't know how to create anything. I've never done that and knew that I did."
"Don't worry. With support and guidance from me, you will do fine. MaGayla, Demeatral, and Shirley, I will need you as we do this." The ladies stepped up and took Lauren's hands. She could feel the love and support.
They sat in a circle around the box. "Now think of what you want for a pet. A cat, dog, gerbil, whatever." Lauren focused. "Next, think about the color, size, type of fur." Lauren focused. " Now touch the box." Lauren touched the box. Valentine opened the box and the cutest little ball of mixed brown and black fur popped out.
"Awe. It's so cute and I love Pomeranians but that is not what I pictured."
"I know. I just wanted to give you a pet. You can't just sit in a circle and create a pet...yet." Valentine teased. Everyone burst into laughter and Lauren cuddled her new puppy. "So, today is "laugh with Lauren day!" Laughter is a great restorative. It has saved my life more times than I can count. You can't take everything in life seriously. You are not perfect, and you won't get everything right the first time, but you have to keep trying. Nature will throw curves at you."
Lauren thought about it. "You are right. I was scared after the big "the world ends if anything happens to me" speech. I do take that seriously, but I can't let that keep me from learning what I need to learn."
"Exactly! End of lesson for today. Let's go play with the puppies and baby animals." Valentine said. And that's what they did for the rest of the class. Valentine gave Lauren a puppy pouch, food, and everything else she would need to care for her new pet. Then they were off to the next class.
Weapons and combat, Edmon's favorite class, was next. And he was really good. Tosh and Cosh began class with a two-mile run. Lauren's pace was honored and loved, especially the sprint at the end. "Woo! I love that last burst of energy!" Damon, the wolf shifter, commented.
"I'm glad I can make things interesting for you," Lauren said.
"That you do." He replied.
"Okay," Tosh said. "Lady Lauren, from today onwards you may not use the same weapon until you have mastered all of the other weapons on the racks. Yesterday, you used the bow and arrow. What will you use today?"
"The long staff." Lauren replied.
"Okay. She needs some competition." Round after round of competitors. She won rounds and lost rounds. When she got knocked off the platform, Cosh or Tosh would give her pointers. Then she would take a turn back up on the platform. It was a fun way to master a weapon. Her body was sore at the end of the lesson, but she felt so much more in control of the staff when she was done. Shirley came to her and touched her shoulder. Immediately, her soreness was gone.
"Class, you did great. Walk the track around one time and then hit the shower."
"That was a great class." Davis the talkative unicorn said. "I hope they all go like that."
" I have to ask. You all really didn't know each other until I got here?" Lauren asked.
"No. The dragon and the lion thought they should have been your main support because they are probably the strongest here, but since the royals know you so well it makes sense for them to be 1st and 2nd."
" I'm glad today helped get rid of some of the tension between my team. I need all of you. Especially since I am still learning and getting used to all of this." Lauren said.
"Don't worry, my lady." Gerald replied. "You will be safe at all times. That is a promise." The dragon transformed and launched himself in the air. His scales caught the sun. He was beautiful.
"Oh. He really likes you." Davis said.
"Why do you say that?"
"He is showing you his real form." Edmon replied. "That means his dragon is claiming you.
"Claiming me?"
"Yes."
"That is saying a lot." Demeatral teased. "Anyway, let's go get dinner and then see the Keeper."
The cafeteria was very full. Instead of just Edmon and Demeatral walking Lauren to the buffet lines, the class went as a huge group. Lauren didn't understand but something felt funny in the room. She became extremely hot and began to glow.
Edmon noticed first. "Demeatral, get the food, I am taking her out of here. She is not ready for this much magic yet. I don't want to mess up a great day."
"Okay, I'll be up in a few minutes."
Edmon led Lauren out followed by the dragon and lion. They made sure Edmon, and Lauren got to the keeper and then waited outside of the spire. Demeatral, Shirley and the sprites, and MaGayla brought the food over. "Are you really going to hang out here?" Demeatral asked the dragon and lion.
"Unless the keeper asks us to leave, yes."
"Ah. Demeatral, ladies, thanks for bringing us food." The keeper said as they entered her room. "I feel extra protection. Is it the dragon and lion?"
"Yes, my lady."
"That's fine." Evandalyn stated. "Lauren, are you okay?"
"I feel tipsy, and I haven't been drinking." Lauren said. Lauren also felt drained and weak, but she didn't say anything.
"You got too close to too much magic. You are fine. Edmon got you the space you needed quickly enough." Evandalyn sat next to Lauren, and they began to eat dinner. "Magic is something you can store and absorb but you are not ready for big doses of it. This necklace will help you ward off some of the magic, so it only comes to you in small amounts." Evandalyn placed an eternity loop diamond necklace around Laruen's neck. "This is something you will not have to take off once you develop your magic. You can use it to store a reserve of power. I will teach you later. You will soon be able to handle the magic...soon."
Lauren finished eating what she could and then laid her head on Evandalyn's lap. She drifted off to a peaceful sleep. She wouldn't have been able to stay awake if she had wanted to. The necklace seemed to be helping, but the sleep was wonderful.
Shirley made a cooling compress and helped Evandalyn watch over Lauren. "I think she is going to be great as the keeper," MaGayla observed. "I have not seen anyone absorb magic like that and not freak out. She is strong."
"She will definitely need your help and support. The sooner she learns control, the better."
"I understand," Magayla replied. Everyone settled in for the night and went to sleep.