• The gasp and completely obvious shocked expression of her esccort made even Ryder jump. At first, she thought the woman had a heart attack, then shrugged it off as she realized that what she said must have not made sense. She couldn't feel any demon power in this woman, so she figured that she was one of those "gifted humans", as they called them. Those humans didn't have any demon or magical blood, but they somehow acquired the strange powers that Ryder's world was used to.

    "Miss, I don't have time for this. If you want to know any more, just go ask the President himself. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to explain. That's what I don't like about him...." Not being able to stand her escort, Ryder decided to transport to her room by herself. All she needed was to get the image of it from the woman, and she would be off.

    Touching the woman's arm, she closed her eyes, getting the picture. Smiling, she let go, then waited for the incoming darkness and feeling of suffocation. It wouldn't be too bad this time since she would be the one controlling it.

    Nothing happened. Ryder's eyes flew open as she looked around, standing right in front of the woman, who stared at her, confused. Why is this happening? She tried again. Same result.

    Fuming, she punched the wall next to her, sending bits of it flying. Oh no....now vandalism would be put on her record. Still, why was this happening? Something told her to look at the note in the envelope that Phalen had given to her. Ripping it open swiftly, she quickly read the dreaded words on the piece of parchment:

    Mrs. Wisteria Z. Vale,

    If you haven't figured it out already, your abilities have been sealed away. If you don't believe me, check your ankle. Well, if you were wondering, we have a special task for you. Of course we wouldn't have let you live without needing you for something important. No, you would be dispatched by now. But, we need you, and Eventide was just a coincidence. You are to find, and protect the "Diamonada". She's very important for our future, and you have been assigned to watch over her. There have been rumors of others who wish to find her, and dispose of her. This cannot happen. If you fail, we'll come for you, and you know the rest. There is no discussion. This is your mission. Good luck. - Anatares, The Court

    Ryder reread the letter over and over, then looked down at her ankle, lifting up her pant leg. Right there, around her creamy skin, were three black lines....a sealing spell. She was useless. So, they didn't trust her enough not to kill anyone. Not surprising.

    Crumpling up the paper and ripping it up, she began to run.

    xXx


    Well, she had found her room, noticing that her belongings had indeed been taken care of. But, Ryder didn't spend much time in it before storming out to go to Phalen's office. Of course, it was in the most unusual part of the palace-like academy. It was located in a secluded tower, the only way to reach it was by transporting, and she had to have one of the guards send her there. It was humiliating, to say the least.

    Once the darkness disappeared, and she could breathe, she walked through the double wooden doors, barging into the office. Phalen was sitting at his desk, looking miserable. For a President, he was lousy. Upon seeing her, he brigtened up and then rushed over to greet her. Instead of feeling the same, Ryder scolded him.

    "Did you know about this? What I have to do?" She asked him, furious. He looked very guilty.

    "Wisteria, I cannot tell you this information. There are many who are listening and would use this against us. It was to remain a secret. But, all is well. You know, and now you know what you must do." He smiled and was about to embrace her when she pushed him away.

    "No, all is not well, you old fool. If I don't succeed, I'll be killed. The Court is not merciful, mind you. And-"

    There was a small pop, indicating someone else had apparated into the room.

    "Well, well, well...." Came another all too familiar voice. "What have we here?"

    There was a chuckle, and Ryder groaned, putting her hands to her face, shaking her head. Would the nightmares never cease?