Annie

Preface
'''Hi! I'm Annie Cintalin. I'm the daughter of Councillor Bronte. My mom says that being a Councillor is a really important job. He says he'll take me to his work one day when I'm older.'''

'''My dad isn't at home very often, but when he is, he's the best. I don't get to go out of the house very often, especially when other people are around. My best friend is Councillor Oralie. She visits me a lot, and gives me sweets and desserts. She says that I'm very special. She's super nice! She even lets me call her Auntie Oralie!'''

'''She's friends with my mom and dad. My mom's name is Emily, and she's the most funnest mom in the world! We cook together a lot, and she likes to play dress-up with me. One time we baked cookies in princess dresses, and pretended we were princess bakers.'''

My tenth birthday is coming up tomorrow, and I can't wait!

'''Dad says he has a surprise for me, and I'm super excited. Mom told me it's really big.'''

~The Next Morning~
'''Annie jolted awake to fire surrounding her. She felt the heat on her skin, but it didn't hurt. Fear filled her heart as she threw her covers off and raced out of the room in a panic. She almost froze, staring at the burning room for a moment, slightly drawn to the fire. It looked so beautiful, even though it was engulfing her room...'''

She quickly snapped out of it, speeding to her parent's room.

She told Emily what had happened, and she and Bronte jolted out of their beds to put out the fire.

Annie curled up in the corner, crying softly.

'''Bronte came in a few minutes later and picked her up. "Annie, what happened? How did that happen?"'''

'''Annie looked up at him, snuggling closer. "I... I think I'm a pyrokinetic."'''

'''Bronte's eyes went wide. "Wh-what?"'''

"I made the fire... by myself..."

'''"B-but... you're..." He didn't finish the sentence, but Annie knew what he was going to say.'''

'''Annie knew that she was only half elf, and she knew that she shouldn't have an ability, especially not pyrokinesis. And she was the daughter of Councillor.'''

'''Bronte looked at his frightened daughter. He was equally frightened as he locked eyes with her, not knowing what to say. His daughter? A Pyrokinetic? No... it couldn't be possible... "Annie... are you sure?"'''

'''"I made the fire with my hands," she whispered. "I-I didn't mean to, though. A-are you mad at me?"'''

"No, sweety, of course not. I could never be mad."

~Later that day~
"Bronte?"

'''Bronte's head snapped up. "Hm?"'''

"You seem distracted," said Councillor Emery.

'''He shook his head. "I'm perfectly fine."'''

Councillor Oralie gave him a sideways glance.

'''Bronte sighed and scowled. "I have something I need to tell the Council," he grumbled after a long silence. "Oh, stop looking at me like that," he demanded when they all turned to stare at him.'''

'''Oralie's face was pale. "Bronte, you can't tell them!"'''

"I have to. Annie is... sh-she needs help."

"Is she okay?"

"No. She isn't. But I won't be able to do anything about it if no one ever knows she exists."

'''"What are you talking about, Bronte?" demanded Emery.'''

'''Bronte took a deep breath. "I... have a wife."'''

Everyone gasped.

'''Emery choked on the water he was drinking. "You... have a WHAT!?"'''

'''Bronte pressed his lips together. "A wife."'''

"And... Annie--"

"No, Annie is my daughter."

'''Emery proceeded to choke. "Your WHAT!?"'''

'''"My wife... is human..." Bronte continued. "My daughter needs help... because she manifested as a pyrokinetic."'''

"A WHAT!? That is... that's... completely absurd! A h-human!?"

"Yes..."

'''"And you... fell in love with her..." said Terik slowly.'''

'''"Do you think it's so hard to believe that I'm capable of falling in love?" he snapped.'''

"Yes," mumbled Alina.

Oralie and Bronte glared at her.

"Wh... Oralie, did you know about this?"

"Yes, I did. Honestly, when he's with Emily, it's the only time he's happy! Do you really want to take that from him?"

"It's not the only time I'm happy," Bronte grumbled.

"Yes it is," Oralie told him.

'''"It's ILLEGAL for a Councillor to be married! Especially to a HUMAN!" shouted Emery.'''

Everyone stared at Bronte.

'''They were going to kick him off of the Council... this was it... the end of his entire career...'''

'''Bronte pressed his lips together. "Wait. Before you force me to resign, don't you want to meet them first?"'''

'''"Oh, it's going to be much more than a resigning, Councillor Bronte," Emery told him coldly. "We may have to Exile you and your wife."'''

"What!? No! You can't do that to her! She didn't do anything wrong! And m-my daughter... No. I won't let you do that," Bronte said firmly.

'''Emery took a step back. "Whatever you're about to do, I hope you've thought it through."'''

'''Bronte gulped. "I have." But he hadn't... he had no idea what he was about to do... but he couldn't let them take him away from his family...'''

'''He let all of the overwhelming emotions that he was feeling go. He closed his eyes, clenching his teeth as every emotion swirled around in his head before finally bursting out.'''

'''When he opened his eyes again, all of the Councillors were on the floor. He looked around, his eyes wide. He knew there was no going back now...'''

Part 2
'''Annie looked up at her father as he burst into the house in a panic. "Emily!" he shouted. "We have to go!"'''

"What?"

"We have to leave! The Council knows."

'''Annie saw her mother's eyes widen in panic. "They do? What's going to happen? Where are we going?" she asked, stepping closer to Bronte.'''

"We're going to the Forbidden Cities," he says.

'''"What?" She grabs his arm. "What did you DO?"'''

"I... inflicted on them."

'''"You did what!?" she shouted, letting go of his arm.'''

"I know. I shouldn't have done that. I made a stupid mistake, and I'm a fool, and--"

"Oh, stop it. Try not to be so negative. We can move in with my brother. He won't mind."

'''Bronte gave her a look. "You're brother?"'''

"Yes."

'''Annie looked back and forth between them, confused. "Mom? Dad? What's going on?"'''

"Nothing, sweety. We're just gonna have to stay with your uncle Daniel for a little while, okay?"

'''Annie nodded. She was still scared and confused by what was going on, but if her mother was staying positive, then there wasn't any reason to worry, right?'''

'''She sniffled. "I-is it because I'm a pyrokinetic?" she asked quietly. "Is it my fault we're leaving?"'''

'''Bronte quickly scooped her up in his arms. "No, Annie. None of this is your fault, okay?"'''

'''"But Dad, I...I'm scared." Annie's voice trembled.'''

'''Bronte held her. "There's no reason to be scared. We'll figure this out, I promise." He kissed her forehead.'''

'''She sniffled. "Okay..."'''

'''Suddenly, Councillor Emery burst into the tower. He and a few other Council members were following close behind, all wearing thinking caps so Bronte couldn't inflict on them.'''

Five goblins filed into the room.

'''"We are holding a tribunal. Now," said Emery as the bodyguards lead Bronte, Emily, and Annie away. "Take them to Tribunal Hall."'''

'''Eternalia was buzzing as elves poured in to get a look at Councillor Bronte and his wife. Bronte held Annie close. Annie was on the brink of tears. "Dad, I wanna go home," she whispered.'''

"I know, sweetheart, I do, too," he said quietly.

Emily leaned over to gently ruffle her daughter's hair.

'''Murmurs arose from the crowd as they watched Bronte and his family. Alden, Fitz, and everyone on Team Valiant were silent. All of them were adults now.'''

Sophie stood by her Cognate, Fitz, as they shared a telepathic conversation.

'''"What do you think the Council is going to do?" Biana asked Dex.'''

"He's getting Exiled," Stina interjected.

'''"That seems a bit harsh," mumbled Biana, rubbing a scar on her arm. "They should at least have a chance to live in the Lost Cities together, even if they're heavily monitored."'''

'''Fitz's wife, Kalesh Pyren, appeared behind them. "Finally. Another pyrokinetic. I was tired of Fintan and I being the only ones."'''

'''Fitz spun around and smiled at her. "Kalesh! I thought you weren't going to make it."'''

'''She took her spot next to him. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."'''

Sophie looked away as Kalesh pressed her lips against his.

'''"I think they're going to force him to resign," said Wylie. "But he won't be Exiled. That'll hurt the Council's reputation too much."'''

'''Biana adjusted the kelpie pin on her cape as Team Valiant stepped forward. Each Team member bowed before the Council. Bronte gulped, looking down at his daughter.'''

Team Valiant looked up as Emery began to speak.

"We are here today because multiple serious crimes were committed by one of your Councillors. Councillor Bronte Cintalin has been found guilty of having romantic affairs with a human."

'''"Romantic affairs? She's my wife--!" Bronte tried to call out.'''

'''Emily grabbed his hand. "Bronte, I love you, but please, shut up," she hissed in his ear.'''

Bronte scowled, but kept his mouth shut.

"Yes. Thank you for reminding me, Bronte. You illegally married."

Bronte fumed.

'''Emery looked back at the crowd. "He is not only a Councillor, and bound by law to not marry, but she is also a human! Crossing two different intelligent species just isn't right. It corrupts the order that our world struggles to obtain. Imagine what would happen if word got out that we existed! Imagine the wars that could break out, the unnecessary work that will have to be done if the humans find out abut us! Our entire world could be in ruins. And, of course, we all know that a Councillor can't be in a relationship. How many of your decisions for our world were influenced by your... wife?"'''

'''"None of them," Bronte started. "I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions."'''

"Do you really expect us to believe that after this big lie?"

"I never lied to you. I simply withheld information that I didn't believe you needed to know."

"Well, we did need to know," snapped Emery.

'''Bronte looked over at his wife. Then he looked down at his daughter, who was half-asleep in his arms. He cracked a small smile and kissed Annie's forehead. "No. I'd do anything to protect them."'''

Everyone in the room seemed to soften a bit at Bronte's protectiveness for his family.

Sophie looked at Councillor Emery, sharing a few telepathic words.

'''Emery flinched. He ran a hand through his hair as all of the other Councillor's thoughts filled his head.'''

'''After a few long grueling minutes, he finally blew out a heavy breath. "We've settled on a punishment for Councillor Bronte."'''

Part 3
“Councillor Bronte is to be banished to the Forbidden Cities.” Emery’s voice silenced every murmur in the crowded Tribunal Hall.

'''Bronte’s eyes widened. “What!? Wh-what about my wife!?”'''

'''“She...” Emery bit his lip hard, then pinched the bridge of his nose. “The Council changed their decision. You and your wife may stay in the Lost Cities for one year. After that year is over, we will decide whether or not you will be allowed to remain in the Cities forever.”'''

'''Emily teared up. “Oh my gosh... B-Bronte, we can stay!”'''

'''Bronte looked like he was in shock. “We can... s-stay,” he said quietly.'''

'''“Can we go home, now?” asked Annie, yawning. “I’m tired!”'''

'''Bronte cracked a small smile. “Yes, sweety, we’re going home.”'''

'''Emily laughed. She hugged Bronte. He put Annie down briefly, and hugged Emily back. Emily kissed him hard on the lips.'''

There were many disapproving grumbles coming from the crowd.

'''Bronte didn’t care. He was just glad that he got to be with his family. He scooped up Annie again, smiling. “Let’s go home.”'''

'''“Wait. That isn’t the whole punishment,” said Emery suddenly.'''

'''Bronte’s face fell. “Then what is it?” he demanded.'''

'''“You have to resign from the Council. And if we find that you and your wife aren’t suited to live here after the year is over, you will both be banished to the Forbidden Cities and your daughter will be raised by a foster family.”'''

'''Bronte’s eyes widened. “You’d take my daughter away from me?”'''

'''“What exactly is your daughter, Bronte? She’s not an elf. She’s not a human. In fact, she shouldn’t exist at all.”'''

'''Annie moved closer to Bronte, starting to cry. “Is that true, Dad?”'''

'''“No!” He glared at Emery. “How dare you insult my family like that!? Annie is the most beautiful little girl in the world, and I love her more than anything. She and Emily are the best things that have ever happened to me.”'''

'''Annie sniffled. “I love you, Dad.”'''

“I love you, too,” he said quietly, still glaring at Emery.

'''Emery rolled his eyes. “It’s not natural! It’s disgusting!”'''

Bronte hands curled into fists.

'''Emily placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Sweety, I know you love us, but don’t do anything stupid.”'''

'''Bronte blushed. “I’m not doing anything stupid...”'''

'''She tugged on his arm. “Let’s go home, Councillor Grumpypants.”'''

The nickname caused a few smiled from the crowd, and even the Councillors.

'''Bronte scowled, pulling out a crystal that led to his tower. “I wish you’d stop calling me that...”'''

He pulled them into the light.

'''Finally. They were back home.'''

'''Bronte carried Annie to her room and tucked her in. “Goodnight, Annie,” he whispered.'''

“Goodnight, Dad,” she muttered through a yawn, pulling the blanket up to her chin.

Bronte went into his and Emily’s room, where his wife was already sprawled on the bed.

'''“You’re... taking up the whole bed,” he said, smirking.'''

“It’s my bed now.”

“I guess I’ll just go sleep on the couch then...” He started to walk away.

“Wait!” Emily called out.

'''He looked at her. “What?”'''

She beckoned him over with her hands.

He stepped closer.

She grabbed his arm and pulled him onto the bed.

“Whoa, hey, I gotta take off my cape and-“

Emily kissed him, and he immediately lost his train of thought.

'''“I suppose it’s best that we go straight to bed,” he said quietly. “It’s nearly midnight...”'''

'''Emily threw the covers over both of them and snuggled into his arms. “I suppose,” she agreed softly.'''

'''Bronte kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, sweety.”'''

“Goodnight, Councillor Grumpypants.”

Part 4
'''Annie jolted awake. "Good morning!" Emily sang. opening up the curtains in her room. "Do you know what today is?"'''

'''"What?" Annie mumbled, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.'''

"Today is your first day of Foxfire!"

'''"My... what? I'm going to school?" Her eyes brightened.'''

"Yep! You'll be starting as a level one."

"But... I thought I wasn't allowed to go there."

"Well, you are now. The Council wants you to start today."

"But Dad said--"

"Dad isn't part of the Council anymore, sweety."

'''"Oh, yeah." All the memories from last night came flooding back into her head. She was confused by most of it, but, she did remember people yelling at her dad. She pulled her mind off of that, and started thinking about Foxfire again. Her eyes brightened. "I can't wait!" she exclaimed.'''

'''Emily smiled. "You'll make lots of friends, I promise."'''

'''Why wouldn't she make friends? Annie wasn't used to being around so many people, but she was sure she'd get used to it.'''

'''Emily and Bronte stood in front of Foxfire. Emily gaped at the building. "Wow, Bronte, it's incredible!"'''

'''Annie looked around. She held her parents hands as they walked through the crowd. Bronte looked tense as people stared at them. A former Councillor, and his human wife, and their abomination of a daughter. His jaw was clenched, and he tried not to make eye-contact with any of them.'''

'''Emily knelt down and kissed Annie's cheek. "Are you ready?"'''

'''Annie looked at all the people everywhere, most of which were staring at her. She gulped. "I don't know... I'm nervous, Mommy..."'''

'''Bronte looked about ready to inflict on everyone around them. Emily gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "She'll be okay."'''

'''Bronte looked at Annie. Annie was looking around at all of the people, and the building, and all of her new surroundings with amazement.'''

'''Bronte knelt down and pulled her in for a hug. Annie hugged back. "Are you gonna be okay? Do you want me to walk with you inside?" he asked quietly.'''

'''Emily gave him a look. "You're not supposed to go inside. The Council said--"'''

"I know what they said. It's absolutely preposterous. If she wants me to, I will. My daughter is more important than the words of those... those..."

"Bronte, I swear, if you curse in front of her..."

'''He sighed heavily. "I won't."'''

"You were about to."

"I was just--!"

'''"Can I go inside now?" asked Annie quietly.'''

"Yes, of course, sweety. Have a nice day, okay?"

"Okay, Mom."

Bronte crossed his arms, glowering at the ground.

Emily grabbed his arm and started to pull him away as Annie walked up to the front of Foxfire's massive doors.

Bronte glanced back at Annie's curly hair one last time before the crowd carried her away.

'''Annie hunched down. Not many of the students were the same height as her. She felt so small and helpless... The crowds continued to carry her into the school, until there was finally enough room to see that she was in a wide hall, with lockers lining the walls.'''

'''A mentor came over to her. "You must be Annie. The new student. Your locker is right over there."'''

'''He pointed to a locker on the other side of the hall. "Your schedule is inside." Then he walked through a wall. Annie gasped. A Phaser. Her father had told her about that ability, but it was the first time she'd actually seen someone phase through a solid object.'''

'''She turned back to look at her locker. She waited for the crowd to thin enough for her to walk without getting trampled, and licked her locker open. There were two scrolls stuck to the door. She pulled them off. One of them was her schedule, and the other one was a map of the school.'''

She tugged on the skirt of her dark Level One uniform nervously, and glanced over her schedule.

Morning orientation...

'''She furrowed her eyebrows. That must be now. But where was that? She decided to follow the crowd again. She tucked her schedule and map into her cape pocket and headed down the hall. She was the only ten-year old on the entire school. Usually, kids started when they were eleven.'''

'''She looked around for someone she could walk with, but found no friendly faces. Everyone seemed to be scootching away from her. She let her eyes drop down to the floor as she walked. What was wrong with her? Why didn't any of the other kids want to talk to her. She glared at the floor, hiding her eyes with her curly hair so no one would see her tearing up.'''

'''"Hey!" a voice suddenly called.'''

Assuming they weren't talking to her, she kept her eyes trained on the person's shoes in front of her.

'''She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Hey! You're the new kid, right?"'''

'''Annie looked up to meet the dark blue eyes of a girl. The girl smiled.'''

"I... yeah."

"You're dad is Councillor Bronte! That's so weird!"

'''"Oh." Annie wasn't quite sure what to say to that.'''

"I heard you were a pyrokinetic!"

"Yeah... I am. My name's Annie."

"Oh, I already knew that. Everyone's talking about you."

'''"They are?" Annie asked quietly.'''

"Yup. You're half human. That's never happened before. It's kind of a big deal."

"Oh..."

"I'm Cellica."

"Cool name..."

"It's a normal elf name. You have a human name."

'''Annie blushed. "I-is that bad?"'''

"No! I think it's cool! If I had a human name, it would be Abigail."

"That's a nice name..."

"I love humans! Humans are so cool! My family thinks I'm crazy."

Annie smiled.

'''"You're a Level One, like me, aren't you?" asked Cellica.'''

"Yeah."

"I can show yo around if you want, I know it's your first day here. It must be super weird, since you've never been away from Eternalia before. What's it like being in Eternalia? What is Coucillor Bronte like? Or, I guess it's Lord Bronte now, since he's not a Council member anymore."

"Um... he's a great dad..."

"Cool! What's your first class?"

"Alchemy with Lady Galvin."

"Oh. She's the worst."

"I'm sure she's not that bad..."

"Miss Annie Cintalin!"

'''Annie froze at the sound of her name being called by a woman. She turned to face a reddish-brown haired woman with her arms crossed. "I understand you're new here, yes?"'''

"Y-yes."

"I'm Lady Galvin."

Annie knelt into a wobbly curtsy.

"And because you're new here, you might be unaware of the rules. But one of the many rules is to not talk during morning orientation."

"Yes, Lady Galvin. I'm sorry."

'''Lady Galvin smiled. "Being half-human, you'll be lucky to get through my class."'''

'''Annie gulped. Maybe school wasn't going to be as fun as she thought it would be.'''

Part 5
'''Annie let the crowd of prodigies sweep her into a large cafe and into a long line of hungry students. But it was only when she stood in the middle of the cafe, her legs refusing to move to any specific table for fear of getting rejected by its occupants, that she realized she had nowhere to sit. She continued to stand in the center of the cafeteria awkwardly, letting her curly hair fall in her eyes and staring at the random foods she'd chosen on her lunch tray. She suddenly didn't feel very hungry. She noticed a few kids staring at her, but no one invited her over. Some people were watching her, snickering.'''

'''Her face went red. She felt her hands heating up. She stormed to an empty table in an isolated corner of the cafeteria, slamming her tray down. It took her a few moments to notice that everything on her entire tray was now boiling hot. The sides of the tray were now melted where her hands had been gripping.'''

'''She winced, covering her face with her hands. More people were staring at her as steam rose from her food. Food that had been cold only moments ago.'''

She wished her mom were here to say something positive and kiss her forehead, or her dad were here to hug her and shoot glares at everyone so they'd stop staring at her, stop watching her every move.

'''She smiled a little at the thought of her parents. She decided that it would be easier if she just skipped lunch and went to her next class early.'''

Elementism.

She had no idea what that was.

'''She asked a nearby mentor where she could find Sir Conley, tossing her tray in the trash. The mentor pointed to a room on her map, and she thanked them and left the cafe before she could make herself any more miserable.'''

'''As she walked down the hall to Sir Conley's class, she thought about her new friend, Cellica. She was so nice to her. She was also kinda weird, considering the fact she was one of the few elves who liked humans. She also had really nice navy blue eyes and freckles on her nose, and straight white-blonde hair. She smiled a lot. It made Annie think that she needed to smile more often.'''

'''Cellica. That was a nice name. And she seemed really nice... and cute.'''

'''Annie blushed, staring at the floor. She finally reached Sir Conley's room. There was nobody in there except Sir Conley...'''

She knocked on the door shyly.

'''He opened the door, smiling. "Well, you're here early." His smile faded slightly as if he recognized her.'''

'''She looked down. "I'm Annie..."'''

'''"Yes... what brings you to my class so early?" He smoothed his long dark hair, tucking a stray strand back into his ponytail.'''

"I... had trouble at lunch."

'''His eyes softened. "I see..."'''

'''Annie willed herself not to tear up, her hands warming up again and curling into fists. "Nobody wants to be around me."'''

'''He made a face. "Well, you're free to spend lunch with me if you'd like. I'm personally fascinated with your whole... situation. Tell me about your parents."'''

"They're just normal parents. There isn't much to say. Just because my dad was a Councillor doesn't make him any less protective and caring as any other dad, and just because my mom is human doesn't make her any less of an amazing, positive, fun-loving mother. Everyone assumes that my mom and dad are different than other moms and dads, but they aren't."

'''Sir Conley stared at her, his eyebrows raised. "I... suppose I never thought of it like that. Bronte just doesn't seem like... a family man."'''

"Because he's grumpy?"

'''He smiled. "Yeah."'''

"Mom calls him Councillor Grumpypants to make fun of him."

'''Sir Conley laughed. "And he's okay with it?"'''

'''Annie smiled. "He sometimes glares at her, but he sometimes smiles, too."'''

"Wow."

"Mom told me that she called him that on the day they first met, and he didn't like it. He's okay with it now. I called him that once and he laughed."

"He laughed?"

'''She nodded. "He laughs all the time."'''

'''He raised his eyebrows. "Really?"'''

"Mom says he only acts grumpy because of his ability."

"Well, that's true, but I... can't imagine him laughing."

"His laugh sounds like he's got something stuck in his throat."

'''Sir Conley laughed loudly. "Oh, wow! Somehow, that doesn't surprise me!" He laughed again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Annie could tell that he smiled a lot.'''

'''Annie smiled back shyly. "So... what do we do in this class?"'''

"Bottle elements. And lightning. And--"

"Did you just say... lightning?"

"Yes, I did."

Part 6
Annie jumped as the bolt of lightning launched itself right into the jar.

'''Sir Conley smiled. "You did it!" he exclaimed as she quickly put the lid on it.'''

'''Annie smiled proudly. This was no doubt going to be one of her favourite classes. "Yeah, I did! This is way easier than alchemy. This is... fun."'''

'''"Lady Galvin isn't very good at making things fun," Sir Conley told her, smiling. "I think she's allergic to fun."'''

'''Annie giggled, thinking about how she'd given Cellica a C minus. "I think you're right. I'm terrible at Alchemy, though."'''

"I'm sure you'll get better at it," he assured.

"But... what if I don't? I'm... half human."

'''He winced. "You know what? You can't even tell. You have blue eyes, and you just bottled lightning better than anyone in this class could ever. Alchemy was never exactly my strong suit, either. Alchemy isn't what makes you an elf. It's your mind. You're extraordinary, Annie. I can tell."'''

"I don't want to be an elf," she whispered.

'''He looked at her. "Well... then you're an extraordinary human."'''

"I'm not extraordinary. I'm... weird."

"No, you're not."

"Even the Councillors said I was weird. They said I... shouldn't exist."

"The Council isn't right about everything, you know."

'''Annie looked down. Maybe he was right, but that didn't make it any easier to take in such harsh and painfully true words. Was this how it was going to be her whole life? Would people always think things like that about her. Except, of course, people like Cellica.'''

'''As if right on cue, Cellica came into the class. "Ugh, detention is finally over-- Annie!"'''

'''Annie smiled and waved. "Hi."'''

"I should've known my two favourite students would become friends," he said matter-of-factly.

'''"I'm your favourite student?" asked Annie, surprised.'''

"Of course! It may be your first day, but I have a good feeling about you. Especially if you've befriended my daughter. You two can go ahead to study hall if you'd like."

'''"Wow! Thanks, Dad!" Cellica hugged him.'''

'''"Dad?" Annie echoed. "You two look nothing alike."'''

"She gets everything from her mother," Sir Conley agreed.

'''Cellica grabbed Annie's hand. "Come on! Let's go to study hall!"'''

'''Annie blushed. "Alright."'''

Sir Conley looked at Annie's red face curiously as Cellica dragged her away.

"So... this is study hall."

"Yep. We pretty much do nothing. Which is cool. So! What do you wanna do?"

'''"I dunno," Annie muttered. "Do you wanna help me study Alchemy?"'''

"Alchemy is boring. Do you want some prattles?"

'''Annie smiled. "My mom collects the pins. She makes my dad buy them for her. Then she shares the candy with me."'''

'''Cellica pulled a box of prattles from her bag. "I'll let you keep the pin for your mom. I only want the candy!"'''

'''Annie giggled. "Me, too."'''

Cellica opened the box and handed her one of the pieces of caramel candy.

'''Annie stared at it, smiling. "Thanks."'''

'''Cellica told Annie about Magnate Leto, the principal, and about Sophie Foster, one of the most well-known elves in all of history. Apparently, Cellica looked up to Sophie, since she always stood up for humans, having lived with them for twelve years. Annie's dad had mentioned her before. He was her inflicting mentor when she went to Foxfire. Sophie was an adult, now, and a well-respected member of nobility. Cellica explained how she used to be made fun of and looked down on, just like Annie was.'''

"Ya know, maybe you'll be a member of nobility someday," Cellica told her.

'''Annie shrugged. "I don't think so..."'''

"I heard that she's going to be taking your dad's place in the Council."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Or at least, a lot of people want her to. That's what my dad says. Maybe you'll manifest a bunch of abilities like she did!"

"I don't think so. I'm half human, so... I technically shouldn't have manifested at all."

'''"I think it's destiny," Cellica said. "Or fate. Or... something like that."'''

'''Annie smiled bashfully. "Maybe..."'''

"I mean, if you never manifested, you would've never come to Foxfire and met me!"

'''Annie shrugged. "I guess. You're a pretty great friend, Cellica."'''

'''Cellica smiled. "Thanks!"'''

'''Suddenly, a kid came into the study room and sat on the other side of Annie, taking a deep breath. "So, my friends dared me to come introduce myself to you," he said.'''

'''Annie looked at him. "Okay..."'''

'''"So. Um, I'm Selnar. Call me Selly, though. No one calls me Selnar. And you're... the weird human-y girl. Alright, great meeting you." He stood up and started to leave.'''

"Her name is Annie," Cellica called out.

'''Selly shrugged, turning back to them. "Okay. That's a human name."'''

"My mom wanted me to have a human name," Annie said quietly.

"Because your mom is human," he said.

"Well, yeah, but--"

"Can you speak any human languages?"

"Um, yeah. My mom and I both speak English."

'''He hesitated, then sat back down by her. "Say something in English."'''

'''"Hello?" Annie mumbled in English, her face red. A couple other kids came over.'''

'''"Can you teach me English?" he asked.'''

"Um... I'm... not allowed to do that."

"Why not?"

"The Council said only certain people can speak it..."

"Say something else in English!"

'''Annie felt her hands heating up. There were too many people around her, requesting different words for her to say, asking how to speak English. A few sparks flew from her fingertips. "Everyone just stay away from me!" she shouted, covering her face with her hands.'''

A few kids backed up.

'''Selly looked around. "Annie... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make so many people come over... ow!"'''

'''He moved away from her desk, which was now too hot to touch. Annie stood. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!"'''

'''Selly stepped back. "Freak!" he shouted, storming away.'''

Annie sat back down as the kids slowly went back to their seats.

'''"Annie?" Cellica said quietly.'''

"Leave me alone," she mumbled.

"You're not a freak."

'''"I said leave me alone!" Annie shouted.'''

'''Cellica stared at her desk. "Okay..."'''

'''Annie stood from her desk again. "I need to go to the bathroom," she said, starting to walk away.'''

'''Cellica grabbed her arm. "Annie, wait..."'''

Annie grabbed Cellica's to try to pry her fingers away, but, to her surprise, Cellica quickly drew back, tears filling her eyes.

"You burned me," she said quietly.

'''Annie saw two finger-print-shaped burns forming on her forearm. Her eyes widened. "I didn't mean to do that--"'''

"Whatever. It's fine," Cellica said softly, rubbing the marks.

Annie ran out before anyone could see her crying.

She made her way to the bathroom and locked herself in a stall, not coming out until the bell rang.

Part 7
'''Emily and Bronte were packing. The Council had ordered them to move out of Eternalia.'''

"Well, at least we get a new house."

"What's it called?"

"The estate is called Vlinemare."

'''Emily snorted. "I forgot. You elves name your houses."'''

'''He rolled his eyes, but smiled at her. "At least we don't have to live here anymore. It's a bit... small."'''

'''Emily gave him a look. "This place is small?"'''

"Compared to other houses, yes."

"This is like, two mansions on top of each other! What are you talking about?"

"I'm saying, we get to live on an actual estate. This tower is only meant for one person."

"Elves are insane."

"We're not insane," he mumbled.

"Yes, you are. How big exactly is this estate?"

"It has a lot more rooms."

"We don't need more rooms! There are already plenty of rooms in here!"

'''He smiled. "Humans..."'''

'''She elbowed him. "Don't start."'''

"Ow, hey!"

'''She giggled. "Oh, come on, that didn't hurt that bad."'''

"It hurt my heart," he said, biting his lip to hold back a smile.

"Mhm. Sure it did. How exactly do we move all this stuff, anyways? There aren't exactly elvin moving vans."

"A conjurer will be by to help us."

"Oh. Annie is going to be home soon."

"Do you think kids were giving her a hard time...?"

"I'm sure she had a good day. Stop worrying so much. You don't have to be over-protective."

'''He sighed. "Yes, I do. She's my daughter."'''

"And the first day of school is never perfect. If today wasn't very good, it'll get better with each day that goes by."

'''He hesitated. "Emily...?"'''

'''She raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"'''

'''"Do you think..." He trailed off.'''

'''"Do I think what?" she pressed when he didn't finish.'''

'''"Do you think I'm a good dad?" he muttered quietly.'''

"What? Bronte, you're amazing. Annie adores you!"

'''He looked down. "All of this is so new to me..."'''

"I know it's rough being thousands of years old, but just because you have grey hair doesn't mean you're a bad father."

'''He scowled. "My hair isn't grey... that stuff doesn't happen to elves."'''

"Well, you do have the pointiest ears I've ever seen..."

"Hmph."

'''She smiled. "It's adorable."'''

'''He looked at her. "Remind me why I married you again?"'''

'''She kissed him. "Because I'm amazing. And you like my cooking."'''

'''He smiled a little. "I guess that's true."'''

'''She snuggled against him. "And why the heck did I marry a grump like you, Councillor Pointy Ears?"'''

"It's actually Lord Pointy Ears now. I was kicked off of the Council for marrying a beautiful woman."

"Aw, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me. Lord Pointy Ears it is."

'''Suddenly, they heard little footsteps rushing up the stairs of the tower, and the door flew open. Annie was standing there, and she was in tears.'''

Bronte and Emily stood in alarm as Annie buried herself in their arms, crying softly.

'''"A-Annie? What happened?" Bronte asked immediately.'''

'''"Are you okay, sweety?" Emily asked, holding her.'''

'''Annie sniffled. "I d-don't wanna go to school anymore," she mumbled against her dress.'''

"What happened?"

"People don't like me... a-and they're s-scared of me... c-cuz I'm a stupid pyrokinetic... and a f-f-freak..."

'''Bronte scooped her up into his arms. "Annie, no, you're not a freak..."'''

"Yes, I am," she sob-squeaked into his shoulder, sniffling.

'''Bronte's heart broke at the sound of her crying. It also made him mad to think anyone would dare call her daughter a name like that... His jaw clenched. "Who called you that? Who said you were a freak?"'''

"A b-boy in my class," she said, hiccuping between words.

"Which class?"

'''"It was j-just s-s-study hall..." She hiccuped again, wiping her nose with her sleeve and looking up at her father.'''

'''Bronte bit his lip. "I'll make sure that never happens again, okay sweety?" he promised.'''

'''She gulped down a sob and nodded, sniffling again and holding her breath to suppress her hiccups. He handed her to Emily.'''

'''Emily gave him a look. "Bronte, don't do anything stupid..." she warned. She kissed Annie's head, hugging her.'''

'''Bronte looked back at his wife, his jaw still clenched. "I'll complain to the Council. And if they don't do anything, I will."'''

"Just talk to the principal. I'm sure he can help, right?"

'''Bronte thought about Magnate Leto. He was a reasonable person, and had always been good about things like this. He remembered numerous times where he stood up for Sophie Foster and many other students who were looked down on for being... different. He nods slowly. "Fine. I'll talk to Magnate Leto."'''

Part 8
'''Marella swept her hair out of her eyes, studying Annie. She looked a little scared, so she offered a smile. "I know how difficult it is being a pyrokinetic."'''

'''Annie blinked, unsure of what to say. "Y-yeah..."'''

'''Marella sighed. "I'm here to help you however I can. Honestly, I've never been a mentor before, and the only mentor I ever had was a criminal."'''

'''Annie shuddered. Fintan Pyren.'''

"I'll teach you how to control your ability better. Why don't you tell me about some things that you have trouble with."

'''"Well," started Annie quietly, "Whenever there's too many people around, I get nervous and start to lose control. I... accidentally burned my friend." She teared up.'''

'''"I can help you," Marella said softly. "My wife will be by soon, too, then we can start practicing."'''

'''Annie looked up, surprised. "Wife?"'''

'''She nodded. "She's a hydrokinetic."'''

'''Annie blinked. "You married a hydrokinetic?"'''

'''Marella laughed. "I like you, kid. Linh will like you, too."'''

(*casually adds Marrelinh* :P)

When Annie got home, she was way happier than she'd been the day before.

Though, when she saw the look on her father's face, her smile quickly disappeared.

'''Bronte looked up at her. "Oh. Hey, sweety, how was your day?"'''

"It was good," Annie said quietly.

"As if you care," Emily snorted from a room over.

'''Bronte bit his lip. "Emily, I said I'm sorry--"'''

'''"I know you did." Emily stepped into the room. She looked like she'd been crying. She glared daggers at Bronte before forcing a smile and looking at Annie.'''

'''Annie gulped. "Um, I'm gonna go to my room." She hurried away.'''

It was only moments later that she heard her parents shouting at each other.

"I didn't mean to do that, Emily," Bronte said quietly.

"I know you didn't. The problem is that you got mad enough at me to do it in the first place! What were you thinking!?"

'''There was a short silence. Emily laughed. "Yeah, that's what I thought."'''

Bronte stood, reaching for her.

'''Emily moved back. "Don't."'''

He winced, looking down.

'''She shook her head. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea."'''

'''"What?" His eyes widened slightly. He stared at her.'''

'''Emily bit her lip. "Marrying you."'''

He gave her a look of horror.

'''She looked away. "Bronte, have you ever noticed how often we get into fights like this? It happens all the time! I mean, maybe the Council was right! Humans and elves aren't... compatible."'''

'''His mouth went dry. "What are you suggesting?" he managed to croak out after a moment.'''

She didn't respond.

'''Bronte looked panicked. "Y-you can't do that, Emily... p-please... I... I care about you way too much. I can't... I c-can't..."'''

'''She bit her lip again. "I don't know... maybe it would be for the best."'''

'''"For the best!? Y-you can't possibly be serious!" His eyes burned with tears. He blinked them away. "What about Annie!?"'''

Annie flinched at the sound of her name, but continued to listen to them.

'''"Well," Emily said quietly. "You're always questioning whether or not you're a good father. So, maybe it would be best if I just--"'''

'''Bronte stopped her. "No. No, this isn't happening. None of this is going to happen. We can figure this out." Even as he said it, his voice had gone higher, and a tear had made its way down his face. "Emily, I love you."'''

'''"I... do, too," she said quietly. "But... look at all the chaos this has caused..."'''

"I don't care about that. I care about you," he said as firmly as he could with his shaky voice.

'''She looked away. "I know you do."'''

'''He blinked back more tears. "Emily..."'''

'''Emily fiddled with her nexus for a moment, not saying anything. Then she rushed away to their room.'''

Bronte sat down, covering his face with his hands.

'''Annie sat in front of the door of her room, crying softly and hugging her knees to her chest. She picked up her imparter. "Show me Cellica," she whispered.'''

Part 9
Cellica listened as Annie told her everything that she heard.

'''"I d-don't know what to do," Annie said softly. "What if my parents split up?"'''

'''Cellica had tears in her eyes. "I really wish I could hug you right now."'''

"Me too," Annie said softly, wiping her eyes.

"You can always come to my house if you want. Does your house have a Leapmaster?"

"Yeah."

"My house is called Flowire Manor."

"I'll ask my dad," Annie said quietly.

"Hey, Dad?"

'''Bronte looked up. He was still sitting there in the living room, his face in his hands. He hadn't moved in the ten minutes since he'd sat down.'''

'''Annie shuffled her feet, staring at the floor. "Can I use the Leapmaster to go to my friend's house?"'''

'''Bronte made a face. "Wh-who's your friend?"'''

"Her name is Cellica. She's Sir Conley's daughter."

"Oh. Um. S-sure..."

'''Annie hesitated a moment before going over to him and hugging him tightly. He broke down, and slowly hugged her back. "I-I'm so sorry..." he croaked, his body trembling with sobs.'''

"It's okay," she said quietly.

'''He shook his head, holding her tighter. "H-have fun with your friend," he whispered. He messed up her hair a bit, gave a shaky smile, and let go of her.'''

Annie gave an equally shaky smile, and hurried away.

'''"Flowire Manor," she whispered to the Leapmaster. It's facets spun round and round until the light bounced off of it. She stared at the glittery pathway for a moment, fidgeting with the nexus on her wrist before stepping into the light and letting it whisk her away.'''

'''She appeared in front of a huge house with a wide round roof, making it look like a stornge dome. There were glass decorations circling the wide lawn.'''

She saw Cellica sitting under a tree, scribbling something down in a tiny silver notebook.

'''Annie hurried over. "C-Cellica?"'''

'''She looked up, then smiled. For the first time, Annie noticed the faint light freckles on her nose. Cellica's smile disappeared. "Are you okay?" she asked, dropping her notebook in the grass by the trunk of the tree and hopping to her feet.'''

Annie shrugged, looking down.

Cellica wrapped her in a hug.

Annie blushed slightly, and awkwardly hugged back.

"Are your parents okay?"

"My dad is really sad," she whispered.

"I'm sure everything will work out okay... maybe this is just a little fight, and they'll forget about it in, like, a week."

"M-maybe..."

'''"I mean, your parents had to love each other a lot to be a human and an elf and still get married," Cellica pointed out. "So maybe they'll... figure things out."'''

'''Annie nodded, taking a deep breath. "I'm so glad your my friend, Cellica."'''

"Me, too," she said with a soft smile, hugging her tighter.

When she finally released her from the hug, Annie's eyes were dry of tears.

"Hey, do you wanna practice Alchemy? We both need the practice," she teases lightly.

"Well, I need it way more than you."

"My dad can help us!"

"Okay..."

'''Emily sat on the bed, thinking. I can't believe I said that to him. I have to go apologize, or--'''

There was a light knock on the door.

'''Emily sucked in a breath. "Come in," she whispered.'''

At first, she wasn't sure Bronte had heard her, but then the door slowly creaked open.

'''There was along silence. Emily had tears in her eyes already. She looked up at him. "I... I'm sorry," she said quietly.'''

'''He looked away. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have yelled at you the way I did this morning."'''

"I threatened to leave you! Like, what the heck!? Who does that!? I was being so--"

"Hey, relax. I forgive you, okay? I love you."

"I know you do! I don't know why. I'm... terrible."

'''Bronte slowly smiled. "You think you're the terrible one? I'm the one with the nickname Councillor Grumpypants."'''

'''She snorted, wiping tears from her eyes. "It's Lord Grumpypants, now," she mumbled.'''

He wrapped her in a hug, closing his eyes.

'''She started to cry softly, clinging to him. "I'm sorry," she murmured, burying her face in his chest.'''

He continued to hold her, not saying anything.

Emily leaned up and kissed him.

He kissed back, pulling her close.

'''"So. You're attempting to pass Lady Galvin's class?" asked Sir Conley, smiling at Annie and Cellica.'''

'''Cellica nodded excitedly. "You'll help us?"'''

"Well, of course I will! But you know your mother is better at this stuff than I am. Are you sure you don't wanna wait until she gets home?"

"Come on, Dad, help us!"

"Okay, okay, I'll help you. I believe I have some Alchemy books in my library."

'''He stands, and Cellica and Annie follow him down down a hall until they get to a huge door. Sir Conley throws the door open dramatically, and Annie's jaw falls. The library looks to be as big as her house. There are even stairs going to a second level of the library, and so many bookshelves that you can hardly see any walls. Cellica runs over to a cushioned seat, and sinks into it. She giggles. "These chairs are so soft..."'''

Annie smiles, but doesn't move.

'''Sir Conley waves her away. "You can sit wherever you'd like," he tells her.'''

'''Annie goes over to the chair next to Cellica's, and hops up to sit in it. She sinks right into it, and a small giggle escapes her lips. "I like these chairs, too," she says shyly.'''

Annie watches as Cellica rolls her chair over to a bookshelf and pulls a book down.

'''Sir Conley scans the shelves for a moment, then starts to head up the stairs to the higher level of the library. "I'll be right back," he calls down to them from over the railing, before disappearing into a maze of bookshelves.'''

'''"Okay, Dad!" Cellica calls back, reading a book.'''

'''"So... you like to read?" asks Annie quietly.'''

"Yeah! Books are awesome. My dad has some human books around here, and I like to read them. Humans come up with some crazy stuff! It's awesome!"

'''Annie smiles. "Can I see a human one?" she asks.'''

'''Cellica nods, and scoots her chair to a different bookshelf. "Hmm... Oh! Harry Potter! This is my personal favorite. The books are really big, but I read all of them."'''

Annie takes the book, staring at it in awe.

"My dad translates them into the Enlightened Language since I can't read the human language ones. He has books of all kind of languages, even that crazy English one that you can speak!"

'''"Wow, really?" Annie had never read an English book before.'''

'''She opens the Harry Potter book. After a moment, she looks up at Cellica. "What's magic?"'''

'''"It's a thing humans came up with for things they can't explain. They think elves and stuff are magic," Cellica giggled. "It's kind of weird."'''

Part 10
'''Sir Conley came back down the stairs to find Cellica and Annie completely immersed in Harry Potter books. They both look up in alarm when they hear him laugh. He's holding an Alchemy book. "You know, you don't have to study Alchemy," he told them. "You came to have fun, didn't you? You guys should keep reading together."'''

'''Annie smiled bashfully. "Okay. Thanks, Sir Conley."'''

'''He winked, setting the Alchemy book on a table a few feet away. "This will be here when you're ready." He walks away.'''

'''Cellica laughs. "Do you like it so far?"'''

'''"Yes! I do!" Annie exclaims. "Do you think your dad would let me borrow it?"'''

"Well, it's a library, so, probably," Cellica teases lightly.

'''"Oh, yeah..." Annie blushes and lets herself get immersed into the book again.'''

"Are you staying for dinner?"

'''Annie looked up, startled. "Wh-what?" Her mind was still halfway in Hogwarts. She snapped the book shut and glanced at the clock on the wall. Her jaw fell. She'd been reading for two whole hours!? "I... should probably get home," she said softly, looking up at Sir Conley.'''

'''He smiled. "Of course! Maybe next time you come over you can meet my wife!"'''

'''"Yeah! I... had a good time today." She looked over at Cellica. Her nose was still in the book, and she was chewing her hair nervously. The page made a satisfying crinkling sound as she turned the page.'''

"I can tell! Cellica, say goodbye to Annie."

'''Cellica's head snapped up. "Huh? She's leaving? Aw..." She leapt up and wrapped Annie in a hug. Annie awkwardly hugged back. "Bye! You should come over tomorrow!"'''

"I'll try," Annie said.

Cellica pulled back, flashing a smile.

Annie pulled out her home crystal.

"See you at school tomorrow!"

'''"Yep," Annie mumbled. She shuffled her feet, adjusted her nexus, and leapt away.'''

'''Emily swept Annie into a hug. "Hey, sweety! Did you have fun?"'''

"Yeah! I read a really cool human book, Harry Potter."

"Harry Potter? Oh my gosh! I used to love those books! I'm so glad you're a little bookworm!"

'''Annie giggled. Then she looked down. "Are you and Dad still mad?"'''

"Oh. No, we're not. It was just a little fight. Grown-ups do that sometimes."

'''Annie brightened a bit. "Oh, okay."'''

'''Bronte came into the room. "Annie! Did you have fun with your friend?"'''

"Yes, I did. Sir Conley is really nice. And they don't care that I'm half human or pyrokinetic."

"Well, that's good."

"They have a really nice library."

'''"Cool." Bronte smiled at her.'''

Annie hugged both of her parents.

They hug her back.

When she quickly hurries away to her room, they share a look.

Emily takes Bronte's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.

Part 11
'''Bronte smiled at Annie. "Have a good day at school, sweetheart."'''

"I will, Dad."

"Are you sure you don't want me to leap there with you?"

"I'll be fine, I promise."

"Okay..."

'''Emily nudged him. "She'll be okay, Bronte. She's tough."'''

Annie smiled.

'''Cellica hugged Annie. "Hi! I'm so glad you're here. I want you to meet someone!"'''

"Meet someone?"

'''Cellica stopped hugging her and stepped aside to show a boy. The boy waved. "Hey."'''

"This is my older brother, Parklyn."

He smiled awkwardly.

'''"So, you're a Level Two?" Annie asked shyly.'''

"He has a crush on a Level Three," Cellica whispered loudly.

'''Parklyn elbowed her. "Hey! Cellica!"'''

Cellica giggled.

"Oh, you wanna talk about crushes, then?"

'''Cellica glared at him. "Don't."'''

"She has a crush on--"

He was unable to finish his sentence because Cellica elbowed him in the stomach.

'''He smirked. "Fine, I won't say. But you owe me big time."'''

"Sure," Cellica snorted.

'''After he walked away, Annie looked at Cellica curiously. "Who do you like?"'''

"It's... not important," she mumbled, flushing pink.

'''"Oh, come on, you have to tell me now!" Not that she knew anyone in Foxfire yet... but she still wanted to know. And she couldn't help but feel a slight ping of jealousy...'''

"It's just... some boy."

'''Some boy. Well, that was just great... "Oh."'''

"Do you like anyone?"

'''"No," Annie said a little too quickly. "I... barely now anyone yet anyways..."'''

'''"Yeah, true..." Cellica mumbled.'''

'''There was an awkward silence. "Well, see you at lunch," Cellica said hurrying away.'''

'''Annie nodded. Lunch was in... three hours.'''

'''But first, she had pyrokinesis. She was especially excited, since Lady Marella's wife, Linh, would be there. Linh was a hydrokinetic. She'd never met a hydrokinetic before. And she'd never met a woman with a wife before either... which made it even more exciting. She raced down the hall, weaving around kids that were twice her size, and silently hoped she wouldn't be late.'''

Part 12
Marella and Linh were waiting for her to enter the classroom.

'''"It's nice to have another pyrokinetic around," Marella says. "You know, one that isn't a criminal."'''

'''"I know! I'm so excited to meet her!" Linh exclaims.'''

Linh had cut her hair short, and her silver tips were long gone.

'''Annie hurried into the room. "I'm here! Sorry, I was talking to my friend."'''

"It's alright. You and that girl seem pretty close."

'''Annie blushed. "Yeah."'''

"Are you ready to learn how to take better control over your ability?"

"Definitely. I kind of almost burned the house down..."

"Marella does that all the time," Linh says with a small smile.

Marella rolls her eyes, but smiles.

Annie smiles.

"Okay, we'll start with some breathing  exercises," Marella begins.

"Breathing exercises?"

"Trust me, they'll help a lot. The first step to controlling your ability is controlling your emotions."

Annie nods slowly.

'''Cellica rushed over to Annie during lunch. "So! You got to meet Lady Marella and Lady Linh? What are they like?"'''

'''Annie gave a small smile. "They're really nice. I think they're my favourite instructors so far this year."'''

"Yeah, I heard they were pretty cool. And they're married."

'''Annie nods. "They're a really nice couple."'''

"Yeah."

'''There was a short silence. On of Cellica's other friends broke the silence by plopping their tray in between them, sitting down, and immediately starting to ramble about something that happened in Elvin History class. Annie nodded along, only half paying attention to what they were saying, when it struck her that she didn't know any of Cellica's friends' names. She tapped Cellica on the shoulder. "Um, Cellica?"'''

"Hm?"

'''Annie's face burned. "Um. I don't know any of your friends names--"'''

'''"Oh my gosh! I totally forgot to introduce you to everyone!" She face-palmed, then immediately started going around the table and naming everyone.'''

"That's Prisca. She's top of our class, like, the smartest person I know, but she's also kind of insane."

'''Prisca tosses her hair. "All the best people are."'''

'''Cellica smiles and continues. "That's Theo. He's... we actually don't know much about him. He just sits here because he has nowhere else to sit, and he doesn't talk much." Theo waves shyly. Annie gives the same shy wave as Cellica goes on, "This is Minuro. They really like to spread gossip. If you're ever curious about peoples' secrets, just ask them." Minuro rolled their eyes, but smiled, pulling their dark hair in front of their eyes. "And they're Tam Song's kid. Pretty lucky, huh?"'''

"Tam Song? He's one of the most famous Shades in the Lost Cities," Annie exclaimed.

"He's my dad," Minuro said unenthusiastically.

"That's amazing!"

"Sure."

"What's he like?"

"He's... a dad."

'''Cellica snorted. "Lord Song? Mr Dark and Brooding?"'''

'''"He's not dark and brooding," they argue. "He's more fun than anything."'''

"Fun? But he's a Shade," Annie says quietly.

'''"Shade stereotypes," Minuro says, waving it away. "Nobody knows him better than I do. Well, um, except his husband."'''

"I didn't know he was married."

"Yeah. To Sir Jyoti."

"What!? He's my metaphysics mentor!"

"Mhm. He's mine, too. I'm not allowed to call him 'Dad' in class, so I have to call him Sir Jyoti. It feels weird to say his actual name."

"Oh. I have metaphysics next. I'll have to ask him about Lord Tam."

'''Minuro stared at Annie for a moment and blushed a little. "I... okay..."'''

'''"Do you not want me to?" Annie asked.'''

'''"Um, no, it's fine." They looked away.'''

'''In metaphysics, Minuro made an effort to sit by Cellica. "Cellica? I... can I tell you something?"'''

"What?"

"I think I have a crush on Annie."

"What?"

Minuro looked at her, smiling nervously.

"Oh," Cellica finally said after a few awkward moments of silence.

Minuro covered their face with their hands, embarrassed.

"I-... that's great, Minuro! She's really nice."

'''Minuro smiled shakily, looking up at her. "I know I barely know her. I just..."'''

'''Cellica smiled back nervously. "Yeah. I know the feeling."'''

'''Minuro looked at her for a moment. They gasped suddenly. "Oh my gosh, you like her, too, don't you?"'''

'''"Wh-... I-... I-I don't know... I mean, sh-she's cute..." Cellica stammered.'''

"Oh my gosh, I had no idea..."

"Please don't tell Annie."

'''Minuro shrugged. "If she asks, I won't lie to her. But why would she ask, anyways?"'''

Cellica sighed.

'''Sir Jyoti came over to their table. "What are you kids talking about over here?"'''

"Nothing, Dad. I-I mean, Sir Jyoti."

'''Jyoti smiled. "You're supposed to be studying for our test. Which is in twenty minutes."'''

"I know," they mumbled.

"And you can call me 'Dad' if you want. You know that, right?"

'''Minuro rolled their eyes. "I know."'''

Cellica stared at the table.

'''Jyoti cleared his throat. "I'm going to have the new girl, Annie come sit by you."'''

'''Minuro gulped. "Okay..."'''

'''Annie hopped up in between Minuro and Cellica. "Hey, guys."'''

"Hey," they both mumbled.

'''Annie looked back and forth between them. "What's wrong?"'''

'''"Nothing!" Minuro blurted quickly.'''

Part 13
"Hey, Mom?"

"What is it, sweety?"

Annie looked down at the marble floor, shuffling her feet awkwardly.

'''Emily gently took her hand. "Is something wrong?"'''

"No. I-I don't think so... it's just... you know my friend Cellica?"

"Yes, what about her?"

'''Annie blushed. "I... think I have a crush on her."'''

'''"What?" Emily blinked in surprise.'''

"Y-you're not mad or anything, are you?"

"No! I'm just... surprised..."

'''But Annie could see that there was something bugging her. "Oh. Okay."'''

~le time skip~
'''"Bronte she's far too young to be having a crush on someone, especially a girl!" Emily exclaimed.'''

'''Bronte blinked. "What do you mean, especially a girl?"'''

"I mean... you know what I mean. She's a little girl, Bronte, it's not... not normal."

"She is completely normal, Emily!"

"I know she is, but what she's doing isn't. It's not right! I thought you of all people would understand that," she mumbled.

'''Bronte gave her a look of disbelief. "I... y-you're joking, right?" he said quietly.'''

"Why would I be joking?"

There stared at each other for a few moments.

"So," Emily started carefully, "you support this?"

"Of course I do. I can't believe you don't..."

'''Emily shook her head. "It must be an elf thing, then."'''

"What do you mean?"

"I mean falling in love with whoever you want. Being whatever you want. We can't do that in the Forbidden Cities. I've seen people like Annie get killed for being the way they are."

'''Bronte's eyes widen. "I-it's not like that here..."'''

"Well, that's good... but I still don't like it."

'''"Why?" He was obviously baffled by Emily's thinking.'''

"Because it's not normal. She's gonna grow up to be a freaking lesbian!"

"What... does that mean?"

'''"What?" Emily stared at him.'''

"Lesbian. What does that mean?"

"It's... a term for girls... who fall in love with girls..."

'''"You have names for it!?" he exclaimed. "You have names for everyone's love preferences?"'''

"Well, yes," she mumbled.

"Why would you have a name for it? Falling in love shouldn't have, like, a name. It's just love."

'''Emily shook her head. "Elves are even crazier than humans!"'''

'''Bronte sighed. "Emily, I have never been able to understand you. But this... this is different."'''

'''There was a short silence. Emily didn't know what to say to that.'''

"Mom? Dad?"

Bronte and Emily whirled around to find Annie standing there.

'''"Y-you guys aren't mad at me, are you?" she whispered.'''

'''Bronte shot Emily a glare. "No, of course not, sweety."'''

'''Annie hugged him. "You guys are fighting because of me, a-aren't you?"'''

"No! No, Annie, of course we aren't," he quickly assured her.

"We're fighting because of your dad," Emily snaps.

"Don't you dare blame this on me, Emily."

"I'm not. I'm just saying that you have a different way of thinking than I do."

'''"Obviously," he grumbled, picking up Annie. Annie sniffled, looking at him. Bronte looked back at her. "There's nothing wrong with our daughter, Emily, and I don't understand why you don't see that."'''

"I never said there was anything wrong with her," Emily tried to say defensively, but Bronte was walking away, and he wasn't listening to what she was saying in the slightest.

"Hey, Dad?"

"Yeah?"

Annie was sitting by him in the living room.

"Mommy still loves me, right?"

'''"Of course she does." Bronte got a kind of sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He forced a small smile. "She just.. doesn't understand some things, okay? She still loves you very much."'''

'''Annie kicked her legs. "Is it because I like Cellica?"'''

'''"I..." Bronte didn't know what to say. He didn't want to lie to her, but he also didn't want to make it seem like she'd done anything wrong. He chose his words carefully. "Yes, but there's nothing wrong with the way you feel. Mom just doesn't understand why."'''

"But I don't understand why, either. I just like her."

"I know you do. I'm glad you do. It's just... Mom doesn't understand."

"Oh. Okay..."

'''He noticed that she was starting to tear up. He  pulled her close. "It's okay, sweety..." he mumbled, kissing her forehead.'''

She sniffled.

'''Emily was watching from the doorway. She sighed softly.'''

~time skip~
Annie was sixteen years old, and her parents continued to have fights nearly every day.

'''To keep distance from Emily, Bronte decided to get a job. Unfortunately, the only job anyone could seem to trust him with after he got kicked off of the Council was stocking shelves in a clothing store. And that’s exactly what he ended up doing. It was strange seeing a man who was once so powerful standing by a rack of hangers and folding tunics.'''

'''Annie was a Level 5 at Foxfire, and Emily was now 45 years old. Because she was drinking bottles of youth, she looked the same as she had when she arrived in the Lost Cities, but Bronte knew that that wouldn’t be working forever. She was a human. The more he thought about it, the more it scared him… Little did he know that as he was folding clothes and stocking shelves, he was about to have the worst day of his life.'''

'''Annie and her girlfriend, Cellica, were coming home from Foxfire. Cellica asked to come to her house. Annie knew her mom wouldn’t like that very much, but she took her anyways. They came through the front door.'''

'''“Mom, I’m home!” Annie kicked the door closed, grabbing Cellica’s hand. She got no response from Emily. “Mom!” she called again. She raced up the stairs, knocking on the doors to her parents’ room and all the bathrooms. Maybe she was getting her nails done. Or at the store. Or out getting dinner. Annie sighed and went back down the stairs.'''

“So, we have the house to ourselves?” asked Cellica.

”I guess so.” Annie smiled, pushing her curly brown hair out of her eyes.

Cellica smiled and leaned forward to kiss her.

'''Annie suddenly froze. “Wait, Cellica. Look.”'''

Cellica turned around.

'''There was a black piece of paper sitting on the dining room table. Annie went over to it. “It’s probably a note from my mom.”'''

'''Annie squinted at it. On the black piece of paper was written in white ink, “Looking for someone?”'''

'''It definitely wasn’t in Emily’s handwriting. Annie bit down on her lip hard. She flipped the paper over, looking for some kind of sign that this was a joke. A weird, twisted joke. The only sign she saw was a weird symbol of a white eye, also in white ink. Annie’s face paled.'''

'''”Annie?” Cellica put a hand on her arm, reading the note over her shoulder. Her face also paled. “You… should call your dad,” she said quietly.'''

Annie nodded rapidly, pulling out her imparter.

'''Bronte was hanging tunics on a rack when his imparter beeped. He set down the hanger, his eyes brightening when he saw who was calling him. He quickly answered it. “Hey, sweetheart!” He saw the look on her face and frowned.'''

”Dad…” Annie croaked, “I think something bad happened to Mom.”

'''He almost dropped his imparter. “What?”'''

The imparter was shaking in Annie’s hands, making her look blurry.

“Annie, what happened?” he asked firmly, trying to stay as calm as possible.

'''Annie shook her head. “I-I don’t know. I came home with Cellica, and Mom wasn’t here, and I found this weird note on the counter, and it isn’t in her handwriting. I th-think someone was in our house…”'''

'''Bronte ran a hand down his face. Annie looked like she was trying hard not to cry. “Annie, where is Cellica?”'''

”Sh-she went home…”

'''”Good. I need you to stay calm, okay? I’ll be right there.”'''

'''She nodded. “Ok-kay…”'''

He hung up.

'''A few minutes later, Bronte came through the front door. “Annie?”'''

Annie hopped up from the dining room table and hugged him.

'''He hugged back, kissing the top of her head. “There’s no reason to panic, I promise. Let me see the note.”'''

Little did he know that there was indeed a reason to panic.

'''Annie handed him the note, which was crumpled up in her hand. He uncrumpled it. Annie watched her father’s face as he scanned the note with increasing horror. He stared at the white eye symbol for a while with out speaking.'''

”D-dad?”

'''He ran a hand down his face. “Was there anything else?'''

'''”N-no… that was it. Mom will be okay, right?”'''

Bronte nodded numbly.

'''She watched his hands, which were trembling. She’d never seen her dad like this before, and it scared her.'''

Part 15
'''Bronte hesitated. He didn't want to lie to Annie, but he didn't want to believe that something bad ha happened to his wife. "I... she's fine... sh-she'll be okay..." That was only to reassure himself, though.'''

'''"Dad, we're going to find her, right?" Annie asked.'''

'''Bronte hadn't heard her. "This is impossible," he muttered to himself. And it was. The Neverseen were long gone, so how was it possible that a member was in his house and abducted his wife. Crazy. Insane. Surreal. Impossible.'''

'''"What's impossible?" Annie asked.'''

'''"This!" Bronte exclaimed, showing her the black piece of paper. The brittle, blackened paper smelled like fire. He set it on the table. He looked at his fingers and saw that it had left dark residue on his hands. Charcoal?'''

"Dad? What are you talking about?"

'''He stood up and began to pace, staring at the traces of charcoal on his fingertips. "The Neverseen."'''

"What? I thought Team Valiant got rid of them."

'''"This better not be Emily playing some sick joke..." His voice cracked as he said this. Of course it wasn't a joke. Her mom could be silly sometimes, but she wasn't insane...'''

'''Annie suddenly started to feel her heart speed up. She took a deep breath, trying to clear away the weird feeling, but it wouldn't go away. Her chest felt constricted as she took another breath, then another. She heard her father say something, but couldn't understand what it was. She found herself gasping for breath, and that feeling in her chest wouldn't go away, and her heart went faster and faster and faster and faster and--'''

Everything went dark.

'''Bronte paced by Annie's bed. Elwin gently took his arm to stop him from pacing and handed him a bunch of elixirs. He was saying something, but Bronte wasn't listening. He was just staring at Annie. "Is she okay?" Bronte whispered finally.'''

Elwin stopped talking and looked at him.

'''"Is she okay?" Bronte repeated.'''

'''Elwin nodded. "Yes. Did you... hear what I said?"'''

'''Bronte nodded absentmindedly. He stopped nodding, then shook his head.'''

'''"She's okay," Elwin reassured him. "It was just a panic attack. Have her take one of those if it ever happen again."'''

'''Bronte looked at the pile of elixirs in his arms. He'd forgotten he was holding them. "Thank you, Elwin."'''

"You're welcome," he said quietly.

'''Bronte turned back to Annie. Annie was sleeping. He sighed'''

'''Suddenly, a person came into the room. They were the tallest elf Bronte had ever seen, and were even wearing heels. They had a huge pile of books in their arms. Elwin quickly hurried over and took the books from their arms. "Padma! You're back!"'''

'''Padma grumbled something under their breath, running a hand through their closely-cropped light blue hair. "Yep, I am."'''

"Did you get all the books I needed?"

"Yep," Padma replied.

'''"Thank you!" Elwin kissed their cheek.'''

'''Padma rubbed a scar on their arm, blushing. "Hmph. You're welcome. Is the girl okay?"'''

"Yeah. This is--"

'''"Oh my god, Councillor Bronte!" They dipped into an awkward bow-curtsy.'''

'''Bronte blinked. "Oh. No need for formalities. If you haven't noticed, I'm not a Councillor anymore."'''

"Alright... Uhm, this is your daughter?"

"Indeed she is."

'''"Cool..." Padma leaned over and whispered something to Elwin. Elwin blushed, and Padma smiled.'''

Bronte furrowed his eyebrows, turning back to Annie.

Part 16
'''Annie jolted awake, her mind swimming. "Wha- what h-happened?"'''

'''Bronte hopped up out of his chair. "Annie!" He quickly scooped her in a hug, tearing up.'''

'''Annie hugged back. "What- I-I couldn't breathe... am I okay? Is... oh, no, Mom..."'''

'''She pulled out of the hug and looked up at Bronte. He shook his head. "We'll find her, Annie."'''

"But... the Neverseen-"

He quickly shushed her, nodding in Elwin's direction.

Elwin got the message and hurried away to his office.

'''He pulled his daughter into another hug. "We'll find her. I promise," he whispered.'''

'''She didn't quite believe him, but leaned into the hug, sniffling. She really did want to believe that they'd find her mother.'''

~Meanwhile~
'''Swimming in a pool of shadows. Bright colours. It was somehow still dark. A searing heat. The sun in her eyes. She took a deep breath.'''

A jolt of pain through her side jolted her from the colourful sensation.

Emily screamed.

'''A woman somewhere laughed. The mocking laugh sounded so far away, yet so close, Emily could reach out and grab it.'''

She shuddered as the laugh came again, echoing off the walls.

'''Another scream, but this one didn't come from her. It came from a man. Or at least she thought it was a man. She pried her eyes open to the blinding light of a fire. She was tied to a chair. The ropes binding her there made her wrists and ankles raw, but she couldn't feel it. Most everything felt numb.'''

There was a man beside her, wearing a dirty white lab coat with holes burned through it, exposing burned skin.

'''A woman was towering in front of them. She had ugly bangs, and her purple-tinted hair was thrown into messy pig-tails.And her eyes were charcoal black. She laughed and burned the man again. The man writhed. There were tears streaming down is face.'''

Emily blinked slowly, trying to clear her bleary vision to get a better look at the man.

He had strawberry hair and periwinkle eyes.

The woman said something, but Emily didn't quite catch what it was.

The man sobbed as the woman stormed out.

'''Emily turned her head to look at him. "Hey," she rasped out.'''

'''The man turned quickly. He was breathing heavily. "H-hey," he croaked.'''

'''She watched him gulp, taking quick breaths. "We gotta get outta here," she mumbled, her words slightly slurred.'''

'''The man nodded rapidly. He looked terrified.'''

"Do you know who that is?"

"N-no, but I... I think it's the Neverseen."

'''Emily didn't know who the Neverseen were, but she nodded slowly. "Wha's your name?"'''

"K-Kesler," he stammered out.

'''Emily sniffled. "Dizznee? Kesler Dizznee?"'''

"Y-y-yeah..."

"Your son's the famous kid, right?"

Kesler opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out, so he just nodded rapidly again.

'''Emily's eyelids drooped a bit. "M. Emily."'''

"Okay," he mumbled.

'''Emily laughed quietly, then broke into a coughing fit. She wheezed, wincing. "Ow."'''

Kesler's eyes widened slightly, but he stayed silent.

'''Emily's eyelids drooped a bit more, and she could feel her consciousness slipping away. She sniffled softly and fell into another strange, colourful dream with shadows and lights.'''

Part 17
(TW for blo/d)

'''Emily jolted awake. A scream gurgled in her throat, but she was too tired to let it all the way out. She felt something sharp pressing against her arm, then warm liquid trickling down her wrist. Her eyes welled with tears. She heard a woman laugh. She tried to lift her head, to see who it was, but she didn't have the strength. The woman knelt in front of her. She had purple and black hair set into a neat ponytail. Her bangs gently brushed against Emily's forehead as she leaned closer. "Hello."'''

Emily sniffled.

'''The woman gently brushed the tear off of her cheek and tilted Emily's chin up. She blinked. The woman's eyes were yellow. She wasn't an elf... Emily swallowed. "Wh-who are you?" Emily croaked.'''

'''The woman smiled. "You can call me Lady Rowena."'''

Emily blinked.

"That wasn't the answer you were expecting, was it? You thought I was going to tell you that it was none of your business? Unlike the previous Neverseen, I'm not going to lie to you. Really. Ask me anything."

'''Emily blinked, not quite understanding. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered.'''

"Because I want to. Because I enjoy the thrill of watching the most powerful creatures on Earth scramble around like the buffoons they are. Like your husband. He's very powerful, but not smart enough to have been a Councillor."

'''Emily choked back a sob. "So... you're doing this for fun?"'''

'''"Yes. I am." Rowena raised an eyebrow. "Though, if I'm being honest, it would be more fun if I kidnapped both of you."'''

'''Emily suddenly heard someone groan. She looked to her left and saw a man lying on the ground. He blinked and slowly heaved himself into a sitting position.'''

'''Emily remembered talking to him before... what was his name? Kester? Or something like that...'''

'''Kester winced. His eyes went wide when he spotted the woman. "You..."'''

'''"You know her?" Emily hissed. She turned toward him but apparently turned a little too fast because she immediately became light-headed.'''

'''Kester blinked, looking at Rowena's yellow eyes. "I... I don't know her, but I've definitely seen her before."'''

'''Rowena rolled her eyes. "Lemme give you a hint, sweetheart. Imagine me with brown hair."'''

'''"Brown hair..." He furrowed his eyebrows. Then his eyes got wider. "Rowena!?"'''

'''She gave a sweet smile. "Miss me, Kesler?"'''

Oh, so it was Kesler, not Kester.

"No, I didn't miss you," he growled.

"That's too bad. I'm sure your wife misses me."

'''He was three shades paler. "Stay away from her."'''

'''Rowena smiled. "Okay."'''

Kesler blinked.

"I'd never lie to you. I'll stay away fro her. I promise."

'''Kesler gulped. "I believe you. What about the rest of my family?"'''

"I'm not interested in them, I'm only interested in you."

"Your eyes are yellow," Emily whispered.

'''She scowled. "Thanks, I haven't noticed."'''

"Are you... a human?"

'''"No, I'm not. I was just born a freak." She sat down next to Emily, crossing her legs. "You, however, are a human."'''

Emily blinked and nodded.

"You're the one who married that Councillor."

She nodded again.

"And you have a daughter, too, don't you?"

"Yes..."

'''Rowena scratched her chin thoughtfully. "I might kidnap her, too." She casually swung herself back up on her feet and started to walk away.'''

Emily was too numb to say anything.

'''The next morning, Bronte didn't make Annie go to school. Cellica didn't go either. She insisted on staying home, too, to try to comfort Annie.'''

'''Bronte had contacted the Council about the whole situation. They contacted Team Valiant.'''

'''The nobility had changed a lot over the years, and so had the team. It now consisted of Marella, Maruca, Stina, Wylie, and Linh. Sophie was out of the picture. She tended to more if a loner these days.'''

'''The Council spoke with Team Valiant about their next move in finding Emily. It's not like they could ask the Black Swan for help. All of the members were long gone. Either dead or on the run in the Forbidden Cities.'''

'''Since Bronte wasn't a Councillor anymore, he wasn't allowed to be there while Team Valiant met with the Council. That was ridiculous, though. His wife's life was at risk; didn't he have the right to hear what they were planning to do?'''

He was stuck sitting at his house, staring at his imparter, impatiently waiting for it to light up.

'''Annie wobbled into the room. "Dad?"'''

'''Bronte looked up. "Hm?"'''

'''She sniffled and sat next to him. She leaned against him.'''

'''He wrapped an arm around her trembling body. "They'll find her. And if they don't, I will. I promise."'''

She buried her face against his shoulder and started crying softly.

Bronte blinked hard and hugged her.

That night Bronte tucked her into bed, which was something he hadn't done in a really long time.

He stayed up for most of the night checking his imparter over and over again before finally settling into bed and falling into a dreamless sleep.

'''When Bronte woke up again, he was no longer wrapped up in silk blankets and surrounded by pillows. The usual warmth from his bed was nonexistent. It had been replaced with something else. A cold, rough ground dampened with blood, sweat, and tears. Panic flared in his mind, and he jolted up into a sitting position. It was too dark to see anything, but he felt a person lying next to him. He scrambled away, yelping.'''

He heard someone groan.

There was a man curled up in the corner, mumbling to himself.

'''Bronte was trembling. "Where am I?"'''

'''The person laying next to him groaned again. "Bronte?" a woman's voice rasped.'''

"Emily?"