NOVEL NEXT I Spy
Eight Months Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15
"Hello, everyone. I would like to introduce our newest student," I declared in front of the entire classroom, directing their attention to a young 'man' with pointed ears and black hair with blue highlights. He stepped up and bowed.
"My name's Makoto. Nice to meet you all," he said with a bow. Wow, she's really not doing much to hide her identity. Is she
One Day Earlier
"I'm sorry? I must have misheard you."
"No, you heard me right. I want you to sign me up as a student here," Makoto answered bluntly, a look of determination on her face. We were all just on our downtime before going to the Vypari Wastes. After all, once we leave and make our suits evolve into their full potential, we probably won't have as much time for High School shenanigans or dates. Combine that with Eliza being off to find her own Goliath, and we don't have much reason not to savor this moment of peace in our lives. Makoto though? There was something she knew was biting at both of us, "You've been thinking about it too, right? There's a spy somewhere in this school. How else does Cass know about you and Eliza's game?"
I groaned in response at the mention, the outcome of that game haunting my mind, "Whatever, but don't you think it'll be obvious to this supposed spy? A hero applying just before Spring Break? That's bound to raise some eyebrows."
"Don't worry about it. I did my homework beforehand," she said with a confident grin, not something I'm used to from her. That's how I could tell this wasn't just a mission to her. She wanted blood, "By the way, your friend told me we're holding a dance before the break. How about you invite Eliza? You guys need to get over that awkwardness if we're gonna be on a team, so just say how you feel already."
Eight Months Since Summoning Day
Clearly, I did the sensible thing and just signed up the scary lady with knowledge of the human anatomy. Whoever she's after, they have my pity. Makoto sat down by Sonya, and I took my leave. Whatever she's planning, I must tend to the school... as well as the Demi-Human that tackled me to the ground. I groaned in pain as we skidded across the floor, "There you are! Why didn't you take me with you?! I could've helped!"
"Easy, Merric. Slow down..." I say softly, gently petting my crying assistant, "What are you talking about?"
"In Dai Shi! I saw the news! You should've taken me with you!" He said, slightly slower but still very concerned. Merric's emotions were like a wheel, and every option was the most extreme version of whatever it landed on. Maybe he could have helped, but...
"Honestly, I'm glad you were here," I admitted, scratching him behind the ears to calm him, "I won't be coming back after Spring Break. I'm going to train, beat the demons, then go home. But I'm reassured knowing you can take care of this place. What do you say to being the new Student Council President when school starts back?"
His entire body perks up, and he backs away, aggressively shaking his head, "Wh-What?! N-N-No! You can't just decide that! There's a process, remember?! N-Not that I'm not honored, but- Wait, that's not the point!" He huffed, my distraction clearly failing, "I want to help you! I don't want you getting hurt!"
That first part struck me hard. Sadly, I couldn't help him with avoiding getting hurt. But if he wants to help me, I know just how he can
Meanwhile, Makoto, Age 15
Sitting through the boring history class, I took notes as if I were a normal student. Being out of school for so long must have loosened my previously disciplined mind, but I at least knew how to fake it. The girl beside me kept her eyes on me. I turn to her with a 'friendly' expression, "Can I help you?"
"Oh, nothing. You just feel familiar. I can't place my finger on it, though."
"I see. Well, I'm sorry, but I've never met you a day in my life," I answered, being as blunt as possible. Still, I had the exact same feeling. Jarred is capable of transforming everything about him with illusion magic, so I should treat everyone with suspicion. Classes came to an end, and I rushed out of sight. Once hidden, I activate my Mer Eyes and begin looking around. I didn't see many mana disturbances except for the Vampire girl, who I sat beside the whole day. With my suspicions getting even worse, I make my way to the student council office. Surely, there has to be some sort of files on the students.
Cass, Age 15
With class over, I almost immediately got a call from Riley and had to hurry to the rooftop. Great, just when I was starting to relax. No, I can never really relax. Not with Jaune here, at least. It's weird to me that I can get along with him. No, he gets along with Sonya, not me. He's a good guy, but all I see is the man who tries to take the only thing I have left away from me. I shake these thoughts from my mind when I reach the roof and open my comms, "Yo."
"What are you doing? You can't just be out and about after what happened!"
"Relax, nobody knows it's me."
"You don't know that. Besides, we need to start powering up those Soul Gem thingies before we end up left behind by the newbies!"
"I know, damn it! But just... let me stay until spring break. I'll drop out after that," I insist, my tone being unusually soft. What is wrong with me? First around Sonya, now this? Why am I getting so soft? Still, it seems to get through to him, and he simply hangs up. I let out a sigh of relief, but before I could relax.
"Sonya! Help!!" Merric jumped out, almost making my disguise break, "JauneaskedformyhelpbutIdon'tknowwhattodo!You'refriendswithElizaright? Please heeeelp!" He insisted, talking too fast for me to possibly comprehend the first time around. Eventually, he caught his breath and repeated himself.
"So basically, Jaune said something that upset Eliza, and he wants to make it up to her?" I asked for clarification, to which Merric's head bounced up and down like a bobblehead. This could be my perfect chance. I could sabotage them forever! So why did I follow up with, "Okay, I have an idea."
"Really?!" Merric exclaimed, his eyes lighting up
"Their whole game was built on Jaune essentially earning her approval. Perhaps he can do a major showing that he still values her opinion."
Merric nodded his head repeatedly, though I could tell he was still at a loss until I practically saw the lightbulb over his head, "How about a light show? It'll take a lot of work, but the effort should get his feelings across."
"That could work, but you should run it by Jaune first," I answered, and he sped off. Why am I doing this? I hate him. No matter how nice he is to this false identity, he's trying to take her from me. More importantly, why does my heart feel so weird? It's like I'm expecting something to go wrong. No, something could go wrong, but if Ritto's plan works, not only will we be fine, but we'll be free of his control. Whatever. I shouldn't be spending my last days here worrying about that. Regardless, I follow after Merric to get Jaune's approval.
Makoto, Age 15
Here it is! In Jaune's desk was a file containing every student. That newly magic-enhanced brain must be doing good because he's incredibly thorough, annotating every page with suggestions for teachers to aid in their education. However, that Vampire girl's entry was interesting, "Sonya Blackhart, uncharacteristic aggression towards me specifically, elected Vice President of the Student Council so that I can observe her and maybe help her," I read aloud. It seems even Jaune had suspicions about her, but if it's Jarred, why would he have any aggression towards Jaune, especially before our fight in the past? Could it not be him?
"Well, well, I caught me a spy," I nearly jumped out of my skin as Ryan sat in the window, chuckling, "Never thought you'd go as far as to disguise yourself as a guy, though. Gotta say, you're the cutest guy I've ever seen," he tries to flirt though I could see a faint blush on his face, not that I was much better. I could practically see the glow beneath my eyes.
"Wh-What are you doing here? And how did you know?"
"Maybe don't discuss things like this when we all share one big room," he suggested, still trying to act cool. Admittedly, it was working, but I wasn't going to let him win that easily.
"What? Worried someone will try and sweep me off my feet when you're not around?"
"H-Huh?! No way!" He huffed and turned away. Clearly, I touched a nerve. Maybe I shouldn't joke about that with someone who has trust issues. I'll find a way to make it up to him when this is done, "And here I was, getting all worried you'd try and fight a Hell Hero alone."
"Well, if it's who I think, it shouldn't be a problem."
"Don't underestimate them," he scolded with a familiar look in his eye. He knew something, "Riley made it clear they've been holding back the entire time. But they're getting continuously more aggressive. You noticed, too, right? Both Jarred and Cass resolved to kill us."
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"You think someone's been ordering them to hold back?"
"Probably that Ritto guy. They did say they were sick of being told what to do. Anyway, my point is, it's going to get more dangerous from here." He's not wrong. Cass pushed all of us to our limits only a few days ago. Ryan even lost himself in... whatever that was. It still scares me even now, just knowing any of us could become that.
"Still, we can't just let a spy roam around here."
"That's right. So, let me help."
"Huh?" I asked, my mouth agape in shock. That wasn't where I thought this was going, "Now, hold on! You should be resting back at the castle! Just because you can move around doesn't mean you should!"
"And just because you can chase a spy on your own doesn't mean you should," he countered. While that was a stupid response, and both of us knew it, it made his stance clear. He would go around in circles unless I just gave up and let him help. With a reluctant sigh, I nod my head.
"Fine. I'll check the girls' dorms. You keep watch on this Sonya girl."
"Deal"
Cass, Age 15
"Pardon me while I check if your brain is damaged!" Jaune exclaimed, grabbing me and looking into my ears, "I don't see a brain at all! That makes sense as to why you'd make such a stupid suggestion!" he exclaimed, his cheeks bright red. It wasn't so much anger, more like the same flustered feeling I'd get around either of my Elizas. Still, it's so loud. Even in the dark alleyways between buildings, I'm sure the echo got someone's attention.
"Relax. You upset her when you tried to cut off your game or whatever, right?"
"Yes, but Eliza's not so shallow that she'd fall for that!"
"Are you still using that Enhancement Magic on your brain? Turn it off. You're overthinking it," I groaned out. I know he doesn't know, but take it from the girl who dated her before you. Wait, come to think of it, Sonya was there for one of those, right? With a sigh, I begin to tell a story of my own, "You know, there was one time Cass and Eliza got into a big fight. I guess you could say it was the first moment she seemed displeased. But Cass and I took her to a fireworks show, and everything was fixed for a bit. If nothing more, it could at least break whatever awkwardness there is between you two. Then you can say whatever you need to." Jaune hummed, thinking over what I had said. Eventually, he nodded his head, still seeming somewhat anxious.
"Okay, but I'm assuming you have a plan?" He asked, to which I simply grinned
"Meet me in a couple of days. We'll be cutting it close, but I know a guy who can get us the goods."
Meanwhile, Makoto, Age 15
Changing my disguise to a generic female student, I easily snuck into the girls' dorm. I need to act fast before she comes back. The last thing I need is her figuring me out. Most of the students were too busy playing games, studying, or just generally minding their own business, making my job easier. Even better, every room had a nameplate, so I found the location with relative ease. I then carefully inspected every inch of the room. Luckily, there's only one bed, so I don't have to worry about roommates walking in. Checking her work desk, I find several bags of blood, each dated several years back, yet unopened, "Strange... From what little I know about Vampires, I doubt this would even be enough to survive a week..." I mutter to myself. This just adds further validity to my theory. Whoever this Sonya really is, it isn't the true Sonya. My thoughts are cut off when I hear a humming sound. Looking for the source, I found a holo-tool. Looking at the screen, it said the call from Sonya. Nervously, I pick up.
"Hello? Cass? Are you there?" Did she just say, Cass? So it's not Jarred? I'm tempted to just leave upon hearing that, but I cast an illusion spell on my voice. I may not be as proficient as Xandric, but he taught me some small things just for this mission.
"Um, yeah. What's up?" I asked, trying to mimic her speech pattern as best I could.
"I just wanted to tell you... I'm leaving the castle, and I can't come back. I saw something I shouldn't have and... I'm sorry." The voice didn't even give me time to reply before hanging up. I look down at the holo-tool with somber eyes before leaving. I have all the proof I need, but now, what do I do? She deserves to know, but who's to say she won't immediately attack me.
Two Days Later, Jaune, Age 15
This is truly exhausting. How did I let Sonya talk me into this? I groaned as I dragged the fireworks to the site we had scouted out before. It was a small forest clearing just outside the kingdom's walls. The castle's cliff was in clear view from here, "You sure this'll work?"
"Of course it will. Just trust me!" Sonya assured me, but I still felt uneasy. But why? My heart feels like it's beating like a car's engine being pushed to its limit. What will happen? She seemed really upset that night. As I think about this, I feel a light punch on my arm. Looking to Merric, his bearing the biggest grin I've ever seen
"We got this covered. You just get her in position. Student Council has to protect its own right?"
I let out a sigh, feeling a wave of calm at his confidence before Storm Stepping away. It only took a few consecutive steps to make my way to the cliff. When I arrived, I tried to steady my heart as best I could before letting out a mighty Thunder Roar "ELIZA!!!!"
I heard a voice call out, though not loud enough for me to hear, and before I knew it, she was floating down like an angel on icy wings. Despite her hair being all messed up and her makeup half-on, she was still beautiful. She looked around, confused, before seeing me, "What's wrong? Some sort of emergency?"
"No, I just wanted to talk to you. Well, more like...show you something.." I nervously answered, sitting down. She was still clearly perplexed but humored me, "I know you were upset about me calling off the game. But I still want you to know it's got nothing to do with you. In fact, I..."
My voice goes mute. No, it's more like it was cut off by the sound of the fireworks. The two of us both look over and see massive balls of fire erupting in the air. Alongside them were rainbows, probably made by Merric. That guy really is just one ball of sunshine that lights me up... and then proceeds to burn my body alive when I read what the text written in sparks, 'Go with me to the Spring Dance.' I looked at Eliza nervously, my face lighting up as she leaned in to hug me, simply answering, "Yes, I'd love to..." she said with a simple smile before getting up. She ran further along the cliff before launching herself on a sort of glyph. I was just left stunned before Sonya showed up.
"Soooo, I take it that it went well?"
"You..." I growl, my cheeks lighting up brighter than my father's ever did in his entire life before I snapped around, "What the hell was that!? That wasn't the plan!!" I shout, prompting her to laugh. I swear, forgive me, Mother, but I have never cursed so much in a single sentence until today.
"Relax. I promised I'd help you smooth things over with Eliza, and I will."
"And how is this smoothing things over?!"
"Because you're trying to fix the wrong problem," she answered simply. I quickly shut up, and she looked up to wherever she launched herself to, "She really cares about you in some way more than a friend. Screw the game. She thought you cutting it off meant whatever relationship you had was done. She wants it to go forward, not backward."
"Forward? But... I don't deserve her. I was trying to fix it..."
"You think that matters? It's not about what you think they deserve. What makes both of you happy?"
Ryan, Age 15
I watch from a distance, curious about what's going on. This is the so-called 'spy' Makoto's worried about? I hum and continue to keep an eye on her, even as she leaves, until I hear something rustling through the trees. Turning to Makoto, I smile, "Hey there. Not dressing as the guy this time?"
"Not on school grounds. Any luck?" She asked, getting straight to the point
"Well, she's doing a very Un-Cass thing. She's trying to get Eliza and Jaune together?" I answer, visibly confused as I keep my eyes glued to the disguised Vampire, "But she's been obsessed with Eliza from the day we met her. And all that crap about 'I'll never lose her again' or whatever. Doesn't this fly in the face of that?"
"I'm sure she has her reasons. Let's let her keep at it for now. I'll talk with her during the dance. Wanna come?" She said, and immediately, my brain went wild. A dance?! I've never been to one of those things a day in my life! What do I do? My mind races before short-circuiting completely when I feel the lips on my cheek. She then vanished as I had to recover from nearly falling out of the tree.
One Day Later, Makoto, Age 15
Humming softly, I approach School City, the lights and fireworks going off, magically shifting to say 'Happy Spring Break" as they explode. Music blasted from the holographic screens, and everyone arrived in their best outfits. I stood there, my hair tied into a bun, as I waited in a navy blue dress. I was wondering if Ryan would even come. He doesn't have a reason to come here besides this potentially seeming like a date. Just when my doubts started to eat at me, I heard a nervous "Hey..." Sure enough, there he was, his hair slightly more neatly combed than normal and wearing a red suit with a black tie, "Sorry, I had to find this thing last second."
"No need. You look good," I assure, dragging him along. "Now let's get business done first, then we have the whole night to ourselves," I answer, getting serious as I hunt for the Vampire girl. She was alone on the roof of the High School building, watching from below.
"I figured it was you. You left that message for me, didn't you?" Cass asked, letting the illusion drop. She then turned to us with a somber smile, "Just go down and enjoy. I'll be leaving soon."
"Not without answers," I insist, letting go of Ryan as I approach, "I thought you were here to spy on us, but I didn't find much of anything. No notes, no leaks of information, nothing. And come to think of it, School City would be a weird place to go. So what are you really here for?"
"Isn't it obvious? I was there for her," She answered, pointing down to Eliza, who was dancing with Jaune below, "I can't support her dad if he wants to send me home when this is all done. But I love her and don't want to lose her. So, I asked Sonya to let me take her place, and the rest is history."
"And Jaune? If you want to be with her so bad, why are you helping him?" Ryan asked, clearly skeptical, to which she chuckled
"Come on, you of all people should know, right?" She asked before walking away, "Ritto's planning something big, and Riley won't let us stop it just yet. I still won't let her go that easily, but if this plan goes wrong, there are worse folks for her to be with."
"What plan?"
"Can't say that much, but I will tell you this. You guys got one month to finish your training. After that, the Demon King will be knocking on your doorstep. Anyway, one piece of advice, lovebirds. If you really care about each other, stick with it. Don't let go. It'll be your light, and you'll need that when things get dark," she answered before vanishing with multiple Storm Steps. We both stood there stunned, and I could tell Ryan wanted to pursue her, but I grabbed his hand. He looked confused, but I simply smiled. He knew what I wanted and complied, walking with me to the dance floor. If things are going to get dark, let's enjoy the light a bit longer.
Jaune, Age 15
I snapped out of the trance that was Eliza's eyes when I heard what sounded like thunder. Looking up to the roof, I saw only a brief flash. I guess Makoto was right. It just wasn't the spy we thought. As we swayed to the sound of the song, I looked back down to Eliza, enchanted once again by her gaze, "Princess, may I?" I asked, slowly leaning close
Eliza, who would normally be annoyed at being called by her title, just smiled and leaned in as well, "You may." With those words, we collided. Thank you, Cass. I'll do my best for her.
Cass, Age 15
I'm back, back to my room. Sonya is gone, and Eliza is at least safe. I'll take her back one day, but right now, I'm all alone again. Alone in my room, sobbing. Even when I hear a knock on the door. Despite not answering, Riley walked in and sat on my bed, patting my back, "Is it settled...?" He asked softly
"Yes. Even if I die, Eliza will be safe."
"Don't think like that. We will win, and you'll get her back," he assured before standing up and holding out his hand, "Now come on. We've got one month to power up these stones before our plan goes into action." He sounds so stupid, but it gives me some hope as I take his hand. Even if I don't believe it, I need to force myself to. I will kill both Zeddral and Ritto and then me and her can be happy together. I'll figure out something for the rookie.