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3schia · 16 days

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CHAPTER 4

“Chapter Closed. The Beginning”

As time passes, the lessons are becoming harder.

So, I have to study more. Luckily, I now have my study buddy, Faith.

So, studying is getting way easier, and I’m having more fun.

We help each other a lot, so we’re able to perform better in class.

From being regular students in the previous semester, we’re now able to have the dean’s list award. We treat ourselves to different restaurants and travel a lot every time we pass the exams and have other awards.

What’s best is that Auntie also surprises us with gifts.

Despite being busy with my studies, with charitable activities, and with my friendship with Faith, I make sure that I also spend some time with my family and Bruce as well.

I visit home once a month, and I keep having dates with Bruce on some weekends. We tried to become more understanding of each other as we now have more responsibilities in our studies.

We kept giving presents every time there was an occasion.

And this has been my life for a couple of years.

[JULY 2011]

Tadaaa! ~

Here’s the day of graduation!

We’re reaping the fruits of our labor.

Thanks to my professors and friends, especially to my family, Bruce, Auntie, and Faith, for making this journey even more meaningful.

Most importantly, thanks to the Man from Above for the guidance and strength given to me all throughout. Chapter Closed.

---

[SEPTEMBER 2011]

And we are now working professionals.

Yap. That quick!

Welcome, Faith and self, to GT Blue Corporación. ~

We’re so lucky! It’s one of the best companies for finance graduates!

Here in Castellón de la Plana, Spain.

New apartment, new environment, and new people.

Again and again.

New experiences are approaching.

At first, I couldn’t find any satisfaction in my job.

But I tried to enjoy this new chapter of my life by traveling to different places, either alone or with my friends, such as parks, museums, libraries, malls, bars, and restaurants.

We even went to high class hotels just to take some pictures there.

A point in my life came when I felt too occupied.

I didn’t know what to do first.

I am finally earning my own money, but the work didn’t give me any satisfaction.

Since many people say that it’s really a good company for finance graduates, they recommended that I stay here, so I did.

Then, I felt so lost. I didn’t know what I really wanted in life.

So many problems arose. I realized and remembered a lot about my past...

There were pains still hiding, which again came out. There were things I couldn’t accept. Until a time came when I finally broke up with Bruce because I wanted to be alone this time.

E n d o f o u r l o v e s t o r y .

After almost a year of working here, a time came when I finally decided to resign.

I have my savings anyway.

[AUGUST 2012]

Then, I looked for some other companies to apply to.

I made sure that this time I would be liking the nature of the job.

It took me only two weeks to find this one.

Hola, ZTN Corporación! Just here again in Castellón.

What a lucky girl! The salary is just as good as the benefits.

I was doing well at work for a couple of months.

So, I got a lot of praise from my employer, managers, and a few coworkers.

---

One day, I’d received a message from Hernan, a schoolmate who’s also working here in Castellón.

HERNAN: Buenos días

ISLA: Buenos días también

HERNAN: Are you working at ZTN Corporación? I saw your stories.

ISLA: Yes.

HERNAN: Nice. It’s a good company.

ISLA: Hehe.

HERNAN: I’m also working here in Castellón.

ISLA: In what company?

HERNAN: Viola Corporación

ISLA: Nice.

HERNAN: Can we meet sometimes when you have time?

ISLA: Yeah.

---

After a couple of months, Hernan and I fell in love with each other.

So, he became my boyfriend.

We traveled a lot after work.

We usually go to coffee shops.

And we tried eating a variety of foods at different restaurants.

After a few months of dating Hernan,

he asked me if I could lend him money for his mother.

I didn’t hesitate to lend him.

Another week has passed, and he asked for more money.

He told me that there’s just an emergency.

Because I really care for him, I lent him money again.

I notice that he dates and updates me less often.

I thought he’d just been busy these past few days, but something is bothering me.

So, I decided to go near his office after work.

I saw him with another woman, so I followed them, and they ate at a restaurant.

I gave him the benefit of the doubt by asking him...

ISLA: Hi, love, can we meet today?

HERNAN: Hmm, let’s just meet tomorrow. I’m busy right now, so much work.

ISLA: Okay. Love you!

I didn’t even receive a response to that last message.

So, I guess something is wrong.

On the next day, I went again near his office. And guess what?

He’s with that woman again.

They even eat at a fine dining restaurant with so much sweetness, like a real couple.

Then I messaged him...

ISLA: I’m here now at Viola Park.

HERNAN: Wait, I’m still at work.

ISLA: Okay. I’ll just wait.

What a liar!

Let’s see what I can do.

ISLA: Love, where are you now?

HERNAN: I’m on my way.

Then here he is...

ISLA: I guess you’re doing great in your job.

HERNAN: Not really. What makes you say that?

ISLA: Because you seem busier now.

HERNAN: Oh. There’s just lots of work this period.

ISLA: Alright, let’s eat?

HERNAN: Yeah.

Hernan, the liar cheater!

But yeah, not my loss.

He’s not that handsome, lol.

----

[JUNE 2013]

And then here’s the weekend.

Due to boredom, I replied to random men on my dating app.

And here I met the libra man, Apollo Gray.

GRAY: Ughhhhhhhhhh!!!

ISLA: UGHHHHH UGHHHH UGHHHH!

GRAY: I’m c ü mm!nğg ... I’m c ü mm!n ğ g ...

ISLA: Boooooogshhhhhhhhh!

GRAY: My turn!

ISLA: Ughhh... Right there, right there...

GRAY: Yumyumyumyumyum...

ISLA: Yamete kudasaiii... Yamete kudasaiii... Yameteeeeeeee

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. This is it...

GRAY: Hi, I’m Gray.

ISLA: Is that your real name?

GRAY: Yeah. How about you, Miss Pisces?

ISLA: Yeah. I’m Isla.

GRAY: So, why don’t you have a boyfriend?

ISLA: I have.

GRAY: How many?

ISLA: Just one. And you?

GRAY: Just two. Can you be the third?

ISLA: HAHAHA. Cheater.

GRAY: If I’m a cheater, then what do you call yourself?

ISLA: I have a reason why I’m here.

GRAY: What?

ISLA: He’s the one who cheated first.

GRAY: So, that means you’re not looking for someone else. You just want a revenge.

ISLA: Hmm, maybe. But I’m also a bit bored.

GRAY: Alright. I’m actually a polyamorous person, that’s why I have two girlfriends.

ISLA: Really? Why?

GRAY: I’m tired of getting jealous.

ISLA: Me, too!

GRAY: Oh, you’re also a poly?

ISLA: Nope, I mean, I’m also tired of getting jealous... But I think it’s better to have a relationship with only one person.

GRAY: That’s how most people think about it.

ISLA: Maybe you’re just bothered by jealousy.

GRAY: Pros and cons of both, I don’t think one is inherently better than the other. In my opinion, it’s more on the people involved.

ISLA: Well, it depends on every person.

GRAY: Like if you’re with one person who abuses you, that’s bad. But if you’re with two people who actually love you, that’s good.

ISLA: It’s a matter of perspective and experience. But yeah, that makes sense.

GRAY: Mhmm!

ISLA: Are you happy with that?

GRAY: Of course! So, can I date you?

ISLA: Let’s try! You’re easy to talk to. A Sagittarius zodiac sign suits you better.

GRAY: How did you say?

ISLA: Straightforward! LOL.

GRAY: HAHA! When and where can we meet?

ISLA: You choose.

GRAY: Okay. Where do you live?

ISLA: Here in Castellón. And you?

GRAY: I’m here in Barcelona. Okay, let’s meet today, 3PM at Castellón Park.

ISLA: All right!

GRAY: Ughhhh. See you, honey!

#GoodbyeBruce

#LongTimeBoyfriend

#ThanksForEverything

#ChapterClosed

#IHopeThisFinallyHelpsAllOfUsMoveForward

#IWon’tBeEntertainingQuestionsRegardingThisAnymore

#ThankYouForUnderstanding

#ALifeWithoutAThrillAin’tLifeAtAll

#ThisIsTheBeginning

CHAPTER 5

“Victory”

While riding in public transportation, going to our meet-up place. I texted Faith...

ISLA: Hey, got a soon-to-be boyfriend!

FAITH: Again? When did you guys break up?

ISLA: I'm not breaking up with Hernan yet.

FAITH: Why?

ISLA: He cheated on me.

FAITH: Oh. That’s why you have another date?

ISLA: Yap. But it’s not a serious one.

FAITH: Just a play again?

ISLA: Mhmm! We’re going to meet today.

FAITH: Alright!

---

I honestly feel a little bit nervous. He’s quicker than me.

Then...

Here he is...

Relax, Isla... He’s just a person......

Yeah, so why would you be afraid, Isla?

He’s just a person, and you’re a demon. XD

GRAY: Honey!

ISLA: Hey!

GRAY: How are you?

ISLA: I’m good. How about you?

GRAY: I feel so good. So, where do you want to eat?

ISLA: Anywhere you want. No problem for me.

GRAY: Hmm. In the Victory Hotel?

ISLA: Oh!

GRAY: Don’t you want to eat there?

ISLA: What are we going to eat there?

GRAY: What do you want to eat?

ISLA: How about you?

GRAY: You answer first.

ISLA: Of course, food.

GRAY: Yeah, but what food?

ISLA: Hmm.

GRAY: A hotdog?

Then, our laughter just exploded.

Like wtf? The connection is just so strong XD

GRAY: Let’s go?

ISLA: Let’s go!

While going up to the floor where our room is... We’re still like...

holding our laughter while looking at each other.

We really have the same vibe.

Like yeah... This is it.

Then here we are, inside our room.

He ordered the food via phone...

“Hi.”

“Hi, sir. May I know your orders, please?”

Before making our orders, Gray looked at me with a smile on his face.

“Two jumbo hotdogs... two large eggs... two rice... and two beers”

“Anything else, sir?”

“Nothing,”

“Okay, sir. The waiting time is about 30 minutes.”

“Okay. Thanks!”

GRAY: Have you heard of that?

ISLA: What?

GRAY: The waiting time is about 30 minutes.

ISLA: Then?

GRAY: What can we do while waiting?

ISLA: Hmm. What do you want?

GRAY: Can I hug you?

ISLA: Sure.

Then, we hugged each other. It’s weird, but I really felt a kind of connection.

...

Then we e a t... e a t... and e a t...

... our ordered foods.

Then... We drink the beer while having long, deep talks about Hernan and his two girlfriends.

Yeah.

And...

We stared at each other for so long...

“Say sexy things.” Gray said

“Cum with me.” I answered.

“Ughhh...”

“Hmmmmmmm...”

He slowly kissed me on my cheeks...

...then on my lips.

I sucked his tongue...

... Then, he sucked mine.

Then...

I left a mark on his neck...

... and on his chest.

We slowly touched each other...

... from top...

....

.. to bottom.

And then...

I t h a p p e n e d .

Zzzzz~

Then, we woke up...

ISLA: I have not been like this before. I really am not. But pain really changes people.

GRAY: How’s our night to you?

ISLA: It’s wild. I will never forget that night.

GRAY: What comes to your mind? I thought we’re just joking about doing it?

ISLA: I don’t know. How about you?

GRAY: You don’t have to ask, of course I want it.

ISLA: That quick?

GRAY: Yeah. I already imagined that when I saw your profile.

ISLA: You seem used to having one-night stands.

GRAY: Yeah! Why not break up with your boyfriend? You’re done.

ISLA: I have something to do first.

GRAY: What?

ISLA: I want to get back my money first, plus double the interest. He owes me more.

GRAY: Did you lend him money?

ISLA: I cared for him, that’s why. He said that he just needs it for his mother.

GRAY: I will help you with your revenge.

ISLA: This is not revenge, only justice.

GRAY: Then I’ll help you get your justice. I want to be useful to you.

ISLA: Up to what extent?

GRAY: I will be an accessory to it. I will make you win... no matter what.

ISLA: How can I return the favor to you? How much do you want?

GRAY: Nothing, just you.

GRAY: So, what’s the plan?

ISLA: I feel like he has no plan of returning my money. We have to think of an idea of how I can get his money in his apartment.

GRAY: Yeah... Why not try to live with him?

ISLA: I can do that, but if he discovers that his money is missing, I’ll be the only one he will suspect because he’s the only one who has the key to his unit. The custodians don’t have it.

GRAY: You’re right... Hmm...

ISLA: But I can consider your idea.

GRAY: How?

ISLA: I’ll try to live with him, but I’m not the one who will steal his money.

GRAY: Then, who?

ISLA: Is there anyone else here?

GRAY: How can I?

ISLA: You have to pretend.

GRAY: As?

ISLA: Like a visitor... But you must cover your face because there are CCTVs outside his unit.

GRAY: A visitor?

ISLA: Not really a visitor. Like... We must make a scenario so you can enter his apartment with a purpose.

GRAY: I get it!

ISLA: I will act like I’m in a hurry to color my hair for the next day’s occasion at work. Then, you’ll act like a parlorist doing home services.

I will act like I have a cough, so you can wear a face mask without making you look suspicious.

GRAY: You’re wise, huh?

ISLA: Also, wear a volumized wig with a bang, eyeglasses, and girly clothes. Don’t forget gloves.

GRAY: When are we going to do that?

ISLA: It must be on a Friday night, after our work, so he would be tired. He told me that he’s just resting during the weekends, so he won’t need the money to buy anything. I just have to make sure that he has a lot of stock in his apartment, so he won’t buy groceries that coming weekend. And he just often watches TV every night, so he won’t be noticing you that much. Then, on the next day, after the made-up occasion, I will distract him more, so he won’t immediately find out that he lost his money.

GRAY: Alright.

ISLA: Don’t have your car on that day. Book a taxi, and don’t get off near his place. So, if he ever tried to detect where you came from, no vehicle would be reported. Come at around 8:30 PM, so the guard is not in there anymore. Then I’ll just open the main door for you.

GRAY: How about my record on your phone as a parlorist?

ISLA: I’ll just tell him that I only got your details through a printed ad I saw somewhere here in Castellón that day when my friends and I are roaming around after work. I’ll just tell him that I suddenly got an idea of coloring my hair when I saw that printed ad. Then, I’ll tell him that I saved only your number and then just read your other details, which I’d tell him I couldn’t remember anymore since I’m tired and in a hurry. Then, you just have to deactivate that number after, so if he calls, the number will be unattended. With that, you’re the one he will only suspect.

GRAY: You’ll also be a little bit suspicious with that.

ISLA: I know, but if ever he finds me suspicious, he won’t have any evidence that I’m guilty. To make me look less suspicious, I have to live with him for about a month before we do that. His savings are just inside a cabinet.

---

After a week, Gray introduced me to his two girlfriends, Raquel and Cherry.

They both look gorgeous and have so much resemblance.

Fast forward ~

[JULY 2013]

*The Day of Revenge*

ISLA: Love, a parlorist will be in here in a few minutes.

HERNAN: All right.

I opened the main door for Gray, then we went straight to Hernan’s unit...

I tried hard to hold my laughter after seeing Gray dressed like that. XD

Hernan was just so busy watching TV.

A few minutes later, he went inside his bedroom to sleep.

So, this is it...

Hernan, the stupid bch. Here we goooooo...

ISLA: It’s just there inside the cabinet.

GRAY: Gotcha!

After stealing the money, Gray immediately went outside.

Yap, that quick. ~

On the next few days, after the made-up occasion, I distracted Hernan.

And...

The enemy has been slayed XD

Victory! ~

---

That was a mission accomplished, tho

Then again, it’s Monday...

After work, we celebrated the victory.

We went to a resto bar. Danced.

Went to my apartment and slept together.

#GrayTheParlorist

#IslaTheMasterMind

#HernanTheF*ck*gIdi0t

#AStup!dWifeSuitsYouWell

#SoYouWillAlwaysFeelBetter

#EffectsOfChildhoodPsychologicalIssues

#I'mSorryButYouNeedAPsychiatrist

#ThankMeLater

CHAPTER 6

“Small World”

*5 missed calls* (from Hernan)

ISLA: Hey, why are you calling? I’m still at work, celebrating a coworker's birthday.

HERNAN: My money is missing.

ISLA: Just look around. It’s just there.

HERNAN: I did. But it must only be here in the cabinet.

ISLA: Wait. I’ll get there later.

ISLA: Hey, what now? Have you found it?

HERNAN: No. It must be stolen

ISLA: Ha? Maybe it’s just here in your bedroom

HERNAN: I already checked it there.

ISLA: Maybe an apartment’s cleaner went inside here

HERNAN: No, the custodians are cleaning just the outside, they don’t have the key.

ISLA: Oh.

HERNAN: Wait, it must have been the parlorist last week. Have you observed him the whole time when he’s here?

ISLA: Hmm. Yeah.

HERNAN: Haven’t you gone to the comfort room while he’s here?

ISLA: Just once, when I had to po*p.

HERNAN: It must be him.

ISLA: How much money have you lost?

HERNAN: Almost €3,000.00

ISLA: Oh, sht.

HERNAN: What’s his name? Can you show me his details?

ISLA: I only got his number.

HERNAN: How about his name? You must know it.

ISLA: I only got his details through a printed ad I saw somewhere here in Castellón on that day when my friends and I were roaming around. Then, I saved only his number. I just read his other details. I couldn’t remember it anymore since I’m tired and in a hurry on that day.

HERNAN: Try to remember his name

ISLA: Hmm... It’s like... Ra...

HERNAN: Ra... what?

ISLA: I really couldn’t remember because I wasn’t myself that day.

HERNAN: Wat da fvk, Isla?!

ISLA: I’m sorry.

HERNAN: Show me his number.

ISLA: Here.

*Dialing...

Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt...Trtttt.

“The number you have dialed is now unattended. Please try your call later.”

HERNAN: Tsk, tsk, tsk. It must be him. Do you remember his face?

ISLA: He’s wearing a face mask since I told him I was coughing.

HERNAN: Tsk. I’ll check his face on the CCTV recording.

HERNAN: Tskkk. He was wearing it all along.

ISLA: Oh no. What if you try to see his car plate number on the CCTV record?

HERNAN: I checked the record outside the apartment. He was just walking when he was nearby. I’ll try to look at the other records on the other streets.

---

I texted Gray...

ISLA: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

GRAY: What? XD

ISLA: Hernan is now in so much distress

GRAY: Dasurv!

ISLA: Em0tional Damage!

GRAY: Double kill!

Two hours later...

HERNAN: I’ll check again tomorrow.

ISLA: But you have work.

HERNAN: This is more important. I’ll just be absent tomorrow.

ISLA: Okay. Let’s sleep now, I’m tired.

HERNAN: I’ll also try the DNA test.

ISLA: It costs a lot

HERNAN: Yeah, I know. But if there are no records of him that will show his face and where he came from, it will only be the last solution I can use to find him.

---

A few weeks later...

CCTV records failed...

No other fingerprints were detected...

So, Hernan finally gave up finding the culprit.

->>> First blood! <<<-

[AUGUST 2013]

Fast forward...

Gray and I were watching a movie at my apartment when Faith called...

Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt

FAITH: Hey, can we go outside?

ISLA: I’m with Gray right now.

FAITH: Where?

ISLA: Here at my apartment. Wait for us outside, then let’s eat somewhere.

FAITH: Alright!

GRAY: Who is Faith?

ISLA: My best friend since college. She’s the daughter of this apartment’s lessor, Auntie Mercedes. She’s working at GT Blue Corporación.

GRAY: Oh.

ISLA: Let’s go!

ISLA: Hi, Faith!

FAITH: Hi Isla! Is he the one you’re talking about?

ISLA: Yeah. He’s Gray, my boyfriend. And Gray, she’s Faith.

GRAY: Hi, Faith. Nice to meet you.

FAITH: Hi, Gray. It’s nice to meet you, too.

GRAY: So, where’s your province, Faith?

FAITH: At Toledo.

GRAY: Oh, we also lived there before.

FAITH: With whom?

GRAY: My family.

FAITH: Where are they now?

GRAY: My parents are now living in Seville. And my half-brother is in Córdoba.

FAITH: You only have one sibling? And just a half?

GRAY: I actually have an older half-sister on my mother’s side.

FAITH: Oh. Both are half siblings.

GRAY: Yap. But it’s fine.

FAITH: Where is your half-sister now?

GRAY: On my biological father. He and mom got separated when I was two, and my sister was fifteen at that time. So, yeah, I was raised by a stepfather.

FAITH: How about your real dad? Is he not visiting you?

GRAY: Mom said they were visiting me once a month when I was a child. But a year after they separated, he died of lung cancer.

FAITH: How about your half-sister?

GRAY: Hmm, she’s still young back then, so maybe she didn’t know how to get to our home.

FAITH: Have you asked your mom about your sister?

GRAY: She doesn’t want to talk about it. So, I couldn’t do anything. She didn’t even tell me their names. So, I hated mom for that.

FAITH: That is similar to mom’s case. She also has a half-brother on her father’s side. They were visiting him after her dad and stepmom got separated. But when her father died, she couldn’t see his half- brother since then. She couldn’t know where his half-brother now is. She couldn’t find it on social media either.

GRAY: What’s the name?

FAITH: Apollo?

GRAY: Apollo, what?

FAITH: Hmm.

As I remember, the surname sounds like a restaurant... Apollooo...

Mcdowney?

Then...

Gray and I were both in shock.

Like... We literally stared at each other for almost fifteen seconds...

FAITH: Hey!

Are you guys, okay?

GRAY: Where’s your mom?

FAITH: At home.

---

FAITH: Hey, what?!

ISLA: Wait!

FAITH: Why did you react like that?

---

When we arrived at their home...

Gray suddenly knocked at the door...

Then Auntie Mercedes opened it...

GRAY: Do you know Elizabeth Mcdowney?

AUNTIE: She was my stepmom before.

And Gray immediately hugged Auntie...

Faith seems to finally understand what’s happening.

Auntie seems really confused.

GRAY: I will explain everything

AUNTIE: What?

GRAY: You have a half-brother on your father’s side, right?

AUNTIE: Yeah!

GRAY: He was two and you were fifteen when your dad and stepmom got separated, right?

AUNTIE: Yeah. How did you know?

GRAY: Elizabeth Mcdowney is my mom. She told me I have a half-sister.

AUNTIE: Oh.

Then, Auntie just had a reaction that I couldn't explain.

Like... She’s confused but is laughing and has teary eyes.

AUNTIE: So, that means... You are my half-brother?

GRAY: Yeah. Mom didn’t tell me your names, that’s why I couldn’t find you on social media. And I hated mom for that. I did everything to convince her to tell me. But she just didn’t want to because they were not on good terms when they got separated.

AUNTIE: I also tried finding you on social media.

GRAY: I’m sorry, but I’m not a fan of it. I’m just using dating apps. So, yeah. That’s where I met Isla.

Then, we all just laughed.

And... They hugged again.

Gray also hugged Faith.

“My niece!”

“My uncle!”

I was so happy for all of you.

“Hey, were you just chatting random girls in dating app?” I asked.

“Nope. I’m choosing, of course.” Gray answered.

“So, why did you chat with me?”

“Well, I find you attractive, but there’s a deeper reason why I chat you.”

“What is it?”

“Your zodiac sign.”

“Oh. Why?”

“Well, I usually like Pisces people.”

#TheReunion

#ThanksIsla

#The10thOrdinance #LibravsPisces #Chapter4 #Chapter5 #Chapter6

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eightlittletapes · 2 months

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#neverfaraway #S O N V E L O #CHAPTER4

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songs-about-girls-like-me · 8 months

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chapter 4: jazz trial lesson

The first week into the extracurricular activities at school, you could try anything you'd like. The year before, I had showed up to the trial lesson for basketball and it had actually been fun: running around like a crazy horse on the courtyard where we took recess with a bunch of other kids. I considered staying for basketball despite the coach pretty much having the attitude of a jerk, but my parents weren't too keen on paying for another class, and I wasn't crazy over basketball so I let it go. Apart from that, I had never tried out for anything else. Nothing else: just Jazz, since 2004.

I had been in the level Inter for two years now and it was Time for me to move to Master. My teacher had actually asked me to try out for Master last year but even when I had showed up and was static to dance to Right Round featuring Ke$ha, I decided to turn down the opportunity because I had been a bit intimidated by the big girls. Some of them were already in secondary school and I had been 9 at the Time (now 10), and they had a bad vibe, they made the class feel like a competition. And more importantly, in Inter I was with Olivia and I'd rather be with her than expand my dancing carreer. We ended up dancing to Candy Man by Christina Aguilera wearing Navy uniform inspired costumes in all metalic fabrics, and the choreography for the last chorus had been crazy cool. Liv and I were still proud of it, it was a very rhythmic challenging sequence and we had pulled it off perfectly.

This year though, we were all going to Master, including Ella. Even my big sister was in this class with us and the mean girls had moved a level ahead! It was new for me to have friends there. The social aspect of it made me feel so much bigger. Ella and I were taking it very seriously, this was not only dancing. This was a sport, an artistic discipline, an athlete's life, we had the same mindset even if we had never danced together. I had told her the teacher, Miss. Cynthia, was strict and a kinda tough even if she was also very nice deep down. She had known me since I was 3, and she was the first one to call me by my middle name, Rees. She was kind of a force of the universe to me, like an earthquake.

"Do you think she'll be softer because it's a trial week?" asked Ella.

"I don't think so" I answered. "But that's why we're here for!"

"Yeah, I know!" We gave each other a high five.

"If this class is too hard, I'm moving down to Inter again guys" Olivia was putting on her dance shoes as we lounged on the floor outside the dance classroom after a long day of school.

Olivia didn't like being pushed too hard in any athletic setting and it was cool of her to not give the Time of the day to things she didn't like. But I wished she stayed in this class.

"I hope you stay." I said.

Rihanna was blasting inside the classroom, I was excited to be there. Now with my friends. Even if I was not one of the kids who was popular for dancing, I could work hard enough to get a place even in the challenging parts of the choreography. And sometimes, I even got first line places. Last year I had done a sequence that included a cartwheel with only three other girls. We stayed there chatting for another ten minutes until it was almost Time our class started. Some other girls from our class were also there.

"Hi, gurls" MJ said hi to us three. Mia, the new kid, was looking around. We now knew they were childhood best friends and were "very happy to be finally together in school".

"Hey"

"Are you guys also new?" MJ was wearing no dance shoes, but socks.

"Ella is. Rees and I aren't"

"Oh cool" I knew MJ liked dancing. My only long interaction with her had been in february, when we tried to perform at our school talent show, with another two girls, dancing to Bad Romance. I had even taken my cd player to school to make the choreography together, all four of the random girls that had gotten together when I asked "someone wants to dance with me?". But we ended up giving up after the first 14 seconds of the song, cause no one was good at choreographing and we couldn't stop getting into mild arguments about our outfits for the show. Yet still, I liked MJ the most out of the popular girls. They all would get into crazy arguments once week (at least) and I always felt from what I saw that she was the one getting hurt constanlty. After our Bad Romance flash friendship I once even comforted her while walking back to the classroom, when her friends were acting like a bunch of assholes.

Yet still, she was friends with the mean kids so I didn't trust her much. She was kind though. She was brown with short-ish hair, and had really pretty brown eyes.

"I'm kinda nervous! Is it hard?" MJ asked looking at me and Olivia.

"A little. But don't worry" I said shrugging.

"It's whatever, MJ" said Mia. "It's not volleyball. Where we actually should be!!" Both girls walked away but we could still hear them. "We're going to volleyball on thursday, right?"

"Yes! I promised"

"Dancing is too eaaaasy" Mia was peaking through the window as she spoke. The music had stopped. "This will be a piece of cake. Dancing is just a hobby, not an actual sport." I was appaled. "You'll see what the meaning of "hard" is once we play volleyball."

I looked around to find the annoyed look on Ella's face.

"Give her half an hour." Said my friend under her breath. "I hope she suffers." This made me laugh out loud.

An hour later, we were finishing the class doing flexibility exercises (which I was really bad at, but was managing to mantain a not-too-tragic distance from a split with my forearms against the floor). I was covered in sweat and the back of my shirt was sticking to my skin, but I was happy. Ella was holding an actual complete split resting on the floor and I could make eye contact with her and Olivia (as tragically inflexible as me) through the mirror. Liv's eyes were saying she was moving back to Inter.

"Good work, sweethearts. Drink water before you leave." Said our teacher. "And wear a jacket everyone, I don't want you to get hit with the cold air outside. Yes or yes?"

"Yes" I said almost crawling to my backpack.

"I asked: Yes or Yes???"

"YES!" The whole bunch of girls sounded exhausted. My friends and I got ready to leave in a corner of the classroom, also with my sister. Just as we were changing our shoes, we all caught a comment in the background:

"That was torture. That teacher is seriously deranged." It was Mia. I couldn't hold back the smile forming on my lips.

"Oh, look who's talking." MJ was laughing a bit. "I liked it!"

I also couldn't hold back the new respect that was lowkey forming inside me for MJ.

"Ugh, you stay, then." Her face was bright red from all the exercise. "I hated every second., it's shit." She looked like she would very much liked a stretcher to take her home.

"Bye!" MJ waved us goodbye.

"Bye!" said all three of us together.

Olivia, Ella and I laughed loudly once they left... and then made fun of it for at least five more minutes. And just like that, the two new kids had proven to be assholes.

#chapter 4 #chapter four #chapter4 #jazz

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twes2363a · 10 months

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youtube

Hey, everyone! Welcome to my channel! Here is my latest video on reading my novel Super Wolf Girl Volume 1 Chapter 4. Check it out right now!!! If you have any questions or concerns, let me know in the comments below.

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theswordandthechosen · 11 months

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The corruption aura

#the sword and the chosen #the corruption aura #webcomic #chapter4 #shinjuco

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eristic-kaleidoscope · 1 year

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Skill Issue - Ch4 Exe 2/2

(CW Loss of Limbs)

It’s difficult for Eiri to process where the hell they were dragged to at first glance, her vision taking a few moments to adjust to her surroundings. It’s… darker, darker than she would have expected, the only light in the first moments being faint purple wisps a fair distance away. After being given a few seconds for both her and Kenshin to adjust, however, a few things pop up around the two of them, each one lighting their surroundings, now recognizable to be some sort of cave, the way a computer screen lights a dark room.

[ATTACK] [ACT] [RUN]

… And most importantly, a health bar above the three options each of them now had. As she reaches out to inspect these, she notices something already in her hands: a lance. Not exactly the type of weapon she’d assign herself in a game like this, but she’ll take it. Glancing back at Kenshin, she notices him now brandishing a sword himself. The weapons do absolutely nothing to put her at any sort of ease, but she needs to swallow her dread, if only to not make Kenshin panic as well.

Before things can go to hell, she taps at her health bar a few times, her worry now mixing with confusion and amusement as she confirms that wow, that is an actual physical object, huh. The buttons likely are, too. Its texture is like glass, she notes as the purple glow starts making its way closer.

Kenshin begins bracing himself first, he needs to be prepared not only for his own punishment, but to do what he can to protect Eiri from hers too. Gently, he shakes Eiri’s shoulder, bringing her attention to the figure now almost in front of them. A humanoid creature made up of purple wisps, confined to an impenetrable looking suit of armor.

A boss fight… Eiri would find it almost a cute setup for the gamer duo, if not for the fact that it’s designed explicitly to maim them both. Thrown together in half an hour, she assumes that most, if not all of what's around the two of them are reused assets, likely from the game that everyone here is accustomed to playtesting by now.

She doesn't have the time or energy to think it over too much- or maybe she does have the time, the figure doesn't seem to intend to attack until they move first. Guess they've got the first turn here. With a sigh, Eiri steels herself, about to move with the intention of getting this over with as fast as possible, this isn't going to be kind, she doesn't expect any mercy short of just not dying. Not for herself, at least. Maybe if she rushes in and beats the boss while taking all the damage herself, Kenshin could still get out unscathed. Unlikely, but there's a chance, isn't there?

Yet, before Eiri could take off running, Kenshin holds his arm out, promptly stopping her. Of course some sort of plan was needed, but there was one thing that needed to be considered.

This shit is rigged.

This is their punishment, right? It was designed so that they would be injured, so of course that this enemy would probably be their downfall. The sisters have designed this for them to get hurt, so of course this is rigged.

…so what now?

It was obvious that they had to beat this guy, or at least try to survive. Maybe their health bars were to monitor how bad of an injury it was. Yeah, yeah that had to be it.

So maybe here, facing some minimal injury would be fine, compared to the real world. Maybe facing some danger would be enough to be freed.

Aim for the least amount of damage. Face a minimal injury here, face the consequences later. Pain is inevitable, but if they work for it then they'll be able to get away with having very little taken from them. Easier said than done, of course, but it's good to keep in mind.

Nodding, Kenshin drops his arm, both keeping that idea as the battle menu opens once more. Without hesitation, Eiri selects the ATTACK button, proceeding toward the enemy as Kenshin selects ACT. Even now, taking the more peaceful way out. From there, she begins to strike, repeatedly trying to slash and stab at the open parts of the armor. Much to her surprise, she seems to be doing damage, backed up by his support. It's weaker than they expected, Eiri's attacks actually pushing them forward rather than just slightly chipping away at its health.

Yet came the counterattacks, as Eiri began taking damage as the armor continued to slash and strike with their blade. As it turns out, she's weaker than expected, too, as she accumulates a collection of cuts and scrapes that whittle away her health more than she was anticipating for them to. She's losing steam quickly, her lack of energy hadn't been fixed at all after being sent in here. With the way things are now, falling would just put Kenshin in danger, and he'd likely drag her out once her health got below halfway anyhow, so…

A quick glance back notifies him that she needs some backup, as much as he doesn’t wish to. Knowing he can’t exactly stand idle at the moment, knowing there isn’t exactly a peaceful way out, Kenshin selects the ATTACK button as well, changing over.

Soon enough the battle rages on. The sound of weaponry clanking against armor resounds as the two continue to strike. Blows were exchanged, assumedly dealing damage to the armored enemy as they counter-struck the duo. Slashing, stabbing, any way to knock this thing down. Eiri would assume that this guy was simply weak, only dealing scratches and cuts as their HP steadily drained.

This is how it should be, right?

The longer they fought, the more sluggish the enemy got, slowing their attacks and dealing even less damage. Noting how close they were to the end, Eiri goes for a stab, piercing the armored menace. As she pulls out her lance, the enemy begins to buckle, before crumbling into pieces on the floor. All that remained was the armor.

Thank god.

Fully out of breath, Eiri falls to her knees, needing a minute to recover. A quick check confirms that they've both completed their goals of retaining more than half their health. Whatever repercussions they face because of their results shouldn't be too awful, then, if their wishful thinking turned out to be accurate.

Either way, it's over now, isn't it? She should feel relieved, both of them should. It doesn't hurt too much right now, maybe because of the nature of the creature's attacks, or maybe because of something that should put her back on edge, but after fighting and fighting she feels like maybe, just maybe, they've managed to earn their safety.

However, before they could celebrate, Kenshin noticed something out of the corner of his eye. Movement, coming from the remains of armored pieces on the floor. Purple, wispy-like smoke continued to appear from it, engulfing the various pieces and stretching through it all-

Almost like the creature was reforming.

While Eiri was still catching her breath and basking in their victory, Kenshin steps back, before his gaze quickly darts to her once the armored phantom was back standing. This battle wasn’t done. The second phase had just begun.

And she hadn’t realized.

Soon enough, the armor began to raise their sword once more, proceeding towards Eiri. Ready to strike her down. No, no they, they should have won- they should have-

Suddenly, a booming voice grabs the Vtuber’s attention.

“EIRI- LOOK OUT-”

Before she could even process it, Kenshin had bounded back over to her. Instead of guarding with his sword, or trying to get her out of the way, she could only spin around to watch the enemy bring down its sword-

Slicing through Kenshin’s right arm.

“Wh- what did you-”

He had body blocked her, he had stood in the way to save her, and because of that he…

He suffered more than just a light injury.

Eiri’s vision began to blur, panic now forming in her blood as she eyed the spot that was hit. Without a voice, she helplessly watches as Kenshin spins around, smiling slightly to mask the pain. At least she’s safe, at least she’s without injury. Maybe, just maybe, she can get out without suffering the same fate.

But before she could reach out to him, Kenshin’s eyes roll back, promptly collapsing on the floor. Eiri’s eyes flicker up to his health bar, quickly draining. With each second, more and more cracks began to form in it, his life fading and fading away-

And as soon as it reached empty, the cracks became too strong.

Just like that, she could only watch his health bar shatter into bits, collapsing.

No. No nonono-

It was already hard to breathe, watching her friend’s lifeforce slip through her fingers, before her scared, empty eyes go back to the floor.

Why did she look there.

Just like that, Eiri’s heart stops, seeing the sight before her. Unlike before, Kenshin was now back in his normal attire. No armor, no weapon in sight, everything had reverted-

…except for the bloody remains where his arm should be. As that crimson color continued to flood more and more across the floor.

This isn't right, if nothing else, they promised non-lethal. She trusted that, so why is he unmoving on the ground now? Why is the game treating him as if he's dead? She drops herself down next to him, reaching out to find a pulse, her hands shaking as she feels them get coated in blood- his blood. This was promised not to kill them, either of them, the group paid so much to guarantee no death, so even if her panic is too much to let her fully confirm, there's no way this could have killed him.

She's just too overwhelmed by the feeling of her own heart beating so hard in her chest it almost hurts, a forceful reminder of her own life as her best friend bleeds out beneath her. Her breathing is nothing more than desperate gasps for air at this point, her vision blurring as she can barely bring herself to stand back up.

She needs to get him out of here, if she can end the fight now then she can get the bleeding to stop and he'll be back in a place where he can recover.

She had to get out of here.

She had to run.

> [RUN] > [RUN] > [RUN]

Holding Kenshin's still attached hand, she uses her own free hand to mash against the [RUN] button with increasing desperation. The light fades for half a second with each press, showing that it registers the touch, yet nothing happens. Why give them the option if they can't fucking use it?! Please, she just needs to get him out. If they can run only for her to get dragged back by her fucking self then that's fine, just let him leave, PLEASE.

She can hardly make out the words on the buttons anymore, vision too blurred from her tears as she slams her hand against the same button, over and over, knowing nothing will come from it, until-

There's a dull pain in the palm of her hand, as if she's cut herself on a piece of glass. The monster's sword is mere centimeters away from her, brought down with a force hard enough to crack the stone ground in the little space between them.

Just like Kenshin's health bar, her only option of escape had been smashed to pieces. She can't be sure whether it was a taunt or a show of impatience as the armored creature moves back to where it was before, waiting for her to make a proper move.

What else was there left to do except fight?

Shakily, Eiri climbs back to her feet, gripping her lance with one hand. She had to fight, she had to keep at it, she couldn’t run away now. With one step, she approaches the armored enemy, and then again, slowly picking up speed. As she grows closer, she pulls her arm back as her brow furrows, before plunging the spear into the armor.

… But this isn’t some video game, is it?

You’re not going to win out of determination, or rage, or panic.

This game has been rigged from the start. You knew that.

She knew, and still let herself be stupid enough to believe in any kind of slight mercy.

Instead of damaging like last time, the lance’s head plinks off the armor. Nothing. No scratches, no dents. Nothing.

…

You were bound to lose since you made that choice.

Eiri stares in dismay, feeling her throat close up at the fact she wasn’t doing damage now. Of course, that first phase was all false hope. They needed to toy with the two of them first, let them believe in a happy end before dragging it away. This is what she deserves, isn't it? Because she's weak? Because she's letting herself openly panic, openly cry? Wouldn't it have been easier for everyone if they just let her die instead? Wouldn't that be more deserved than dragging Kenshin into this, too? Instead of combatting those questions, she could hardly notice the enemy pull back, winding up their sword arm-

Before proceeding to do one more quick slice. Just like last time, except now faster than she could react.

Cutting down, the sound of splintering wood resounds in Eiri’s ears as her face shifts into shock. The pain slowly begins to mold in her right arm, before suddenly firing up as her eyes fall on what was once there.

Her HP bar begins to quickly drain, now suffering from the same grave injury. Shit they, they were trying to get out of here with minimal injuries, now they’re- Now they’re both without-

God she’s so sorry.

Before the camera can pan to her now missing arm, the screen goes dark…

… With the final thing heard being the sickening, horrified scream of pain that's been torn out of the fallen VTuber.

#chapter4 #trial4 #kenshin #kokone

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