Secrets Within the Resounding Sound

Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

"I've gathered you all here today to alert you to the incidences that have been occurring these last couple of weeks." The Headmisstress began her speech to the three hundred some odd students. Jax, Sam, Juni and I were seated by each other in the large auditorium. Sam to Juni's left and Juni to my left and Jax to my right. The four of us were all wearing jeans and different types of jackets. The weather outside had gotten colder the closer we moved to December. Doctor Holloway, Thalia and Mr. Parker along with all of the other teachers were standing behind the Headmistress. She had her hair in it's tight bun and her no nonsense expression.

"I know many of you have noticed that three of our students have suddenly gone missing. We, the teachers, are trying everything within our Tama to find those who have been taken. On that note, we would also like to inform you all on the reason why Silverleaf was created." The headmistress shifted her heels clacking on the podium, loud in the sudden silence.

"I created this academy a little over twelve years ago to help those who were lost, those who had no other place to go and for those who were trying to find solace in the place this world has become. Along the way to creating this Academy, I ran into many different gods from different Parthenons. Many of those gods had one thing in common, they wanted to use the humans who had godlike powers for themselves." All of us in that space were listening intently. This was a version of the school's history that no one had never heard.

"These god's wanted the power to control others, there were others who wanted to become the new kings of their own parthenons. Having faced one of those very gods so long ago, I wanted this Academy to be a place of protection for those who could not yet protect themselves. You all have been under my protection for a long time, but one of the gods has found a way to get past my defenses." Her face was weary, her one eye showing sorrow. She shifted again on her feet.

"I want all of you to be wary of these gods, you cannot trust all of them. There are some that would do anything to help us. But I want you to tell any one of the teachers if you see something that is concerning. I do not want another student taken." She looked from one side of the room to the other, her face at an impasse once again. "That is all, I wish all of you the best in your studies." She gave a brief nod and then turned and walked off of the stage, the other teachers following behind her. For several heartbeats, none of us in that room dared to move or make a sound. Then everything erupted into sound at once. All the students turned toward each other and began speaking. Some talked about how scary it was to know that the gods saw us as tools to further their own gains. Others, the friends of the three taken, were sad, thinking that they would never see their friends again.

Amidst the chaos that erupted inside the auditorium, the four of us escaped, keeping close to each other. We really needed to find a way to get the three back. Nergal needed to be stopped.

"We need to find Nergal before anyone else is taken." I told the others as we walked through the courtyard. A cold breeze hit us and I put my hands into my hoodie pocket. Juni had her hands in her jean pockets where she walked beside me.

"We should just leave it to the teachers." Jax protested, his voice low with some anger. He stared me down, his arms crossed over his chest, his jacket bunching.

Sam interjected, "I agree with Echo. If they are after him, we need to find a way to stop Nergal before he can come after him again." He turned to face Jax steadily, his arms at his side, thumbs hooked into his front pockets. With the two of them facing off against each other, their individual powers sparked.

Jax growled, dropped his arms and his fists tightening at his sides. "We need to keep him safe, not send him into danger." I pulled my hands out of my pockets and put myself in between them.