Chapter two!

The story is flowing much easier than I had thought it would. It could be because I actually planned it out Just don't ask where the name of the School Paper came from, I really don't know 8D Anyway...

Enjoy!

Hound Profile of the Week:

By Allana Sheppard

Last week we talked to Tyler Simms, this week we’re talking to Spenser Newbie Serenity Black.

Caleb knew he was supposed to be telling his friends what happened at the barn. He also knew that they would like to know about his father. Kate had been told if he had to make a guess from her contemplative silence. They would all glance at him as he scanned the latest news of the Hound. The Hound was Spencer’s school newspaper. Allana was the Editor and always did the weekly profile. They normally started the year with an old face and senior of the school and the next was a new face. Tyler’s piece had come out the day school started.

So with no further interruptions: Meet Serenity Black

Name: Serenity

Surname: Black

Age: 17

Date of Birth: 11 February 1989

Blood type: O

Parents: Mom’s Lilly Black

Occupation: High school student

Mom’s Occupation: Lawyer, she’ll start at the Danvers Firm on Monday

Favorite Food: Burger and chips

Favorite Color: Black, should be obvious

Favorite Subject: Science, Math and English Lit

Favorite Sport: Soccer

Questions:

Where did you guys come from?

Phoenix, Arizona. My mom decided it would be wise to move us from the hottest city in the country to the rainiest city in the country.

You don’t like rain?

No, I like rain. I just don’t want to walk into a shop dry and in the matter of getting from the front door to my car, soaking wet.

What type of personality do you think you have?

Me, I don’t really know. My mom thinks I’m dark. I prefer keeping to myself. People have the tendency to annoy me and a short fuse doesn’t help in the department of making friends.

Do you have an out let for aggression?

Karate and soccer. With my temper problem people seem to think I didn’t choose the best out lets.

What belt are you?

Third Dan.

That is?

Black.

Ok, so what type of guy do you prefer?

Never thought about it.

Did you know that Ipswich has a rather strange history?

Yeah.

What can you tell us about Ipswich?

Around three hundred years ago five families started the colony. One of the families was put on trial, Putnam, I think, he was hanged in his own barn for witchcraft. The barn still stands if I’m not mistaken. The other families still have descendants here. The witch-hunts started here before it spread out to Salem.

Yeah, did you research it?

No. My grandfather’s originally from Ipswich, he told me everything when my mom decided to move us here. Never really got why I’d need to know all that. It’s about as real as a flying pig.

Some actually believe that the four surviving families are connected with magic.

Old wives tales. Back in those days people were burned for walking the wrong way. Now a day’s people think they can speak to ghost. You wouldn’t talk to a ghost if you knew what they really looked like.

What do they look like?

I don’t know. Never tried to speak to one.

You know, you’re the sassy type.

I’ve been bred to say my say. My mother’s a lawyer, she didn’t teach me to keep my mouth shut about what I thought.

Are you close to your mom?

Yeah.

What do you consider spending your time constructively?

I wouldn’t know, according to my grandparents, I don’t spend my time constructively. Apparently spending times with cars and bikes is not spending time constructively.

You’re not close to your grandparents.

My grandfather has a stick up his ass so far it’s scratching his brain and my grandfather things she’s the commanding officer of Arizona, but she doesn’t know anyone out of the neighborhood. No, I’m not close to them.

Wow, respects a big thing at Spenser Academy, what does one have to do to get your respect?

I respect everybody. There’s no one person I don’t respect, but once you loose my respect you’re not going to get it back.

How does one loose it?

Various ways.

And trust?

That’s earned. I don’t know how, but I don’t trust anyone on first glance. Not unless I get to know them. Trust and respect are two different things. I don’t have to trust you to respect you, but if you loose them, they’re gone.

What do you know about the kids of Spenser Academy?

That they’re all rich and spoilt rotten and probably intend on going in the same direction as their parents.

Not everyone’s like that, we’ve got kids on scholarships here too.

And I’m sure they’re being treated just like the rest.

You don’t think the kids here would mingle with kids from a public school?

Have you ever spent time with a public school kid? I’m assuming not. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying everyone’s like that, I just know for a fact that if your not rich with a mom and dad that can buy your way into some places, you aren’t considered part of the in crowd.

I can see by what you mean of not trusting people easily.

It’s got nothing to do with trust. It’s fact. I’m smart and well informed. We’re teenagers, in the phases of life, we’re the most brutal.

Ok, do you know why?

Because we’re self conscious and seeks attention. Some girls would date the school’s star simply because it makes them popular. Normally there’s no love.

I know of a couple that’s been dating for three years, and they love each other. The girl is ironically popular, but she was even before she started dating him. And he’s one of the swim team stars.

Sometimes you get true love, sometimes you don’t. They’re amongst the lucky people.

So you do believe in true love?

I do, I just don’t think you find it immediately. Tunney and Parry were probably just lucky enough to find each other soon.

Do you think true love is for everyone?

Yeah. No one person won’t find someone who loves them; it’s out there.

Ok, so where are you going to live, with your mom or in the dorms?

My own place.

Why not with your mom?

She’s always believed in being independent. She believes that by allowing me to do certain things I will learn what I need on my own.

Like what?

Living on my own, what I drive, stuff like that. I’ve never gone to a school that I didn’t choose self. I’ve never driven a car I didn’t choose. My whole life everything I’ve done was my choice, my mistake and my thing to deal with.

So your mom’s very lenient?

Depends on what I do. Crashing a brand new car won’t be her favorite thing, failing a test can be looked over. Depends on the severity of it all.

Ok, I’ve only got one last question: What’s your favorite quote?

When the world says give up, Hope whispers try one more time. I don’t know who said it, but I love it.

Serenity, Welcome to Spenser Academy. I hope you enjoy your time with us and good luck!

Thanks.

A full body picture of the girl was next to the headline. The faded color of the paper the Hound was printed on did the girl no justice, he was sure. She was leaning against a large black bike, the stander out so it wouldn’t tip over. Her arms and legs were crossed and a devious smirk was spread across her soft pink mouth. Her eyes were a pale green and her hair a pitch black. Something about her felt familiar. He wasn’t sure what. Whether it was her leather jacket or the fingerless gloves peeking from her crossed arms, he couldn’t tell and it annoyed the hell out of him.

“Caleb.” Pogue’s irritated snap made him look up. “What the hell is going on?” Pogue glared at him, the effect less effective with the bandage across his nose.

Pogue’s dorm room was mostly quiet, only filled with the ruffling of the paper being set aside. Pogue and Kate had been released from the hospital. Pogue’s parents weren’t currently in Ipswich; they had to leave for various working reasons before he was released so Reid and Tyler had brought him to his dorm room. Kate’s temperature had dropped and the wounds had disappeared, she was well enough to walk on her own. Sarah had woken up early the former night and spent her time in her own dorm room. She sat with them now.

“Do you intend on telling us this year?” Reid asked snappishly, hiding his concern behind anger.

Caleb sighed and shook his head. “The Book of Damnation records the lives of the Sons bound to it.” What point is there in hiding the truth from Kate if Pogue possibly already told her? He heard said boy mumble something along the lines of ‘I knew he knew.’

Tyler drummed his fingers against the desk he sat next to. “We know this, Caleb.” He said eventually.

Caleb nodded. “It used to record the lives of the Guardians bound to the Sons.” He said slowly, making sure they take it in word for word.

The three younger Sons spoke together. “Guardians?”

He explained to them what his father had said to him. He briefly touched upon Reid’s own experience and now his. It made no sense to tell them a tale of woe and sorrow. He had no idea where the guardians came from and knew even less of their purpose. Protection couldn’t be the only thing they were good for. It was something they didn’t even do unless it was unwilling danger the Sons had been put in.

They sat in silence after he was finished. They were quiet for so long that Caleb had a chance to return to his thoughts. And the girl that seemed to occupy them. He didn’t know whether it was healthy curiosity or unhealthy obsession. He didn’t really care, he wanted – needed to know who she is. “And what happened to Chase?” His thoughts were shattered by Kate’s voice.

It was the first time she spoke since he entered the room. For a moment he wasn’t sure who she was speaking of. Then he remembered. He shrugged. “She appeared, he disappeared. I don’t know what happened to him. I’m dead sure though he’s not gone.” He said slowly. “How are you taking it?” He questioned, whether out of curiosity of fear that she might say something, he wasn’t sure.

She shrugged. “Considerably well after learning my boyfriend is something he denied existing for years.” She replied rather calmly. Caleb wasn’t sure when she was going to freak out, but he was sure it was coming eventually.

Caleb nodded. “Caleb.” He looked towards the youngest son. “Can you please explain why my father thinks yours is able to speak more than gurgling sounds?” He asked slowly and quietly, the ever-present voice of reason. He had wondered who would bring it up. For it to be Tyler seemed rather fitting.

“Cause he can. I don’t know how. I got home, he was on the phone with Wayne.” He said shaking his head.

Kate frowned. “Maybe it’s his guardian. You said each Son has one, maybe his showed up and saved him.” Caleb could see it was hitting her hard to know that a man who is supposed to be dead isn’t.

Caleb shook his head. “I doubt it. He used on his own free will. He put himself in that situation, they don’t normally save those who put themselves in situations like that.” He explained again. “I just don’t know.” He murmured.

Reid shook his head. “What are we going to do about Chase?” He finally asked. Caleb knew, probably just as well as Reid that the blonde wasn’t as stupid as he made himself out to be. Reid had standards. High standards rare few people ever reached. It was easy to believe Reid was the bad boy, with bad grades and every beautiful girl on his arm, but Caleb knew that Reid was the kid with the future brighter than half the school. You didn’t get into Spenser’s on grade’s ranging below a B plus average. Reid thought like a cop. He thought like his dad.

Caleb studied him. “You tell me.”

Kate and Sarah scoffed at the same time, but the two other Brothers paid attention. Reid shook his head. “Don’t know yet, but I’ll work on it. Shouldn’t be too hard, from what I figure he’s predictable. The only difference is that we do it together this time. Four is better than one, far better and with you already ascended it’s better this way.” He said shrugging and leaning back in his chair.

Caleb nodded slowly and studied the darkened sky out side. It seemed that the weather was playing along to his foul mood on this fine Sunday. He gaze fell onto the girl leaning against the black bike again. He was Caleb Danvers, his life was supposed to be easy. His life was supposed to be planned already. Why, why now? Why did it have to be him that had to face this trial, this temptation now? Using after ascension was like a death certificate, it became even worse. With his anger he could feel the Power, prickling beneath his skin, tempting him into doing something he was going to regret.

He didn’t know why he was angry. His life had been safe as far as his guardian was considered. Sarah could’ve died, but hadn’t. His father was well. His mother wasn’t drinking morning, noon and night. Kate and Pogue were fine. He just knew he was angry. He was angry because of the Power prickling beneath his skin and the constant thoughts of a girl that wasn’t his girlfriend.

A pained hiss and a crack drew Caleb from his thoughts to his friends. Pogue was doubled over his broken leg, his breathing ragged. Caleb frowned, glancing at the others. Tyler’s face was carefully blank, but his eyes were pained and worried. Tyler was good at that, pretending like he didn’t care, but with him the eyes literally were the windows to the soul. Reid was shaking his head and Sarah and Kate looked somewhere between disgusted and pained. He studied Pogue again and realized what the younger Warlock had done. He shook his head. “Ever thought about letting it he…”

A firm knocking on the door cut off his words. Pogue’s eyes flashed again and the cast disappeared. Caleb shook his head, clenching his fists and resisting the desire to use. Pogue threw his legs over the bed and walked to the door in his shorts. He grabbed a pair of jeans on the way and pulled the on before opening the door. Caleb caught only a glimpse of the person on the other side. Or only a glimpse of what they were holding in their hands. A black bike helmet, clearly someone Pogue would find interest in.

“Sorry, I’m looking for Nicholas Parry…or Pogue.” The female voice said clearly. No one called Pogue Nicholas, not even the teachers. It stood on his student I.D and that was only because it was required to have full names on it. They all got up, curious about the person who actually knew Pogue’s full name.

The girl had a healthy bronze tan covering her exposed arms and face. It was a tan that was going to fade over time in Ipswich. Caleb was quiet certain that the girl could throw a beautiful right hook too. She held a black helmet and Pogue’s set of keys in her left and right hand respectively. “That’s me.” Pogue replied. “And it’s Pogue.”

She nodded. Her pale green eyes concealing the disinterest well. She threw him the keys. “Some guy dropped off your Ducati, says he didn’t have time to bring up the keys himself.” She explained already turning around. Caleb was surprised she actually knew what the bike was called. Most girl would’ve come up and told him his bike was in the parking lot.

“Hey, you’re the new girl right?” Tyler blushed furiously after his burst and half hid behind Caleb. It was a normal reaction for the younger boy. Caleb was so used to it by now, that it was something he wouldn’t even remember happening.

Tyler was still learning how to crawl out of his shell. Reid’s presence was making it slightly easier, but Caleb could remember years where Tyler refused to even set foot into Nicky’s because there’d be too many people. Caleb wasn’t sure what caused it, whether Tyler had a fear of people or if he just didn’t like new places, but it had been right after the Simms family returned to Ipswich. Tyler was the only Son not born in Ipswich. They had moved back a couple of months after his thirteenth birthday. From what Caleb understood of the youngest Son’s father, Tyler didn’t have as many friends as he had bullies back where he grew up. Tyler never talked about it, his past was his and that was how he liked it, not even Reid could make him talk about it.

She glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. “Serenity, yeah.” She nodded. Caleb took her in. The short-sleeved black shirt hugged her body tightly. She wore a silver necklace; Caleb wasn’t sure what about it attracted his attention. It was rather simple. The single charm, a sleeping dog or wolf, wasn’t of real importance.

Tyler blushed again. “Well, uh, welcome to the rainiest place in the country.” He said brightly. Tyler could always make a situation seem brighter than it really was.

Her face darkened slightly at his comment, but the smile seemed genuine as her eyes flashed to the rain slicking the world outside. She smirked suddenly, charmingly and completely in conspiracy at the younger Son. To Caleb it seemed like she knew he wasn’t normally at ease with strangers. “Where I come from there’s this loud crack in the sky and then it would start raining. Here the crack comes after the rain. It would’ve been a nice warning.” She said mock angrily and shrugged. She turned around and started down the hall.

Sarah and Kate glanced at each other. “Hey, Serenity!” They called in unison. The four boys glanced at them, wondering what they were up to now.

Serenity stopped and turned around. “Hmm?” She hummed in recognition of their call.

“There’s this place in town called Nicky’s. We’re going there; if you want you can join us.” Kate said brightly.

Serenity shrugged. “Sure. I’ll see you there.” She said and started down the hall again. Kate and Sarah glanced at each other again.

“She’s strange.” Tyler murmured.

Sarah laughed. “I’m sure we’re going to like her.”