|
Reese nodded,she understood what Excelisior was saying."Maybe we were meant to meet each other." |
Xana nodded. She believed in such things, absolutely. "Monica... dear, how are you doing? Would it help you to talk a bit about what happened?" She took a sip from the cocoa that Ocean had summoned and patted Monica's hand. |
Gina saw a brightly colored van and knocked twice on the door. |
He nodded in relief, glad that the gloom that had been hovering over them was finally lifting, even if it was just slightly. "I've never been one to deny fate," he whispered. "You'd be surprised at the amount of people you meet that otherwise you'd never personally seek out." Like Katya, who was what he would normally call annoying. Hearing a knock he sighed, glancing over his shoulder. "Someone mind answering that? I'm not normally this lazy...but..." |
"Sure," Excelsior said, standing up to answer the door. He held the door open as a girl entered the van, she looked to be around his age, perhaps a year older. "Hi," he said. |
"Hello,"Reese said to the girl who just entered. |
Gina grinned at them and curtsied."I'm Gina."she said shyly. |
"Reese,"Reese said."Nice to meet you,Gina." |
Jason goes into the van, the most unusual place for a person who does not like what the van stands for at all. He just sighs. Hopefully someone will talk to him. he really needed it now. |
"Hi, Jason," Excelsior said. "You look kind of unhappy today, what's wrong?" He hoped Jason hadn't experienced another loss like the kind they had been discussing. There had been a lot of sadness that had happened lately, it seemed to be contagious almost. |
Well Excesior, kayden just wants to be friends, she likes me like a borther" jason says sadly> 'She gave me my locket back, see it is with me jason frowns. " I am thinking of going to Drunstrang, no girl worries". jason says sadly. |
He hated to do it, but the clock owl on the wall stared at him menacingly. He had received an owl earlier and he had made a promise (more to himself really) that he needed to keep. Plus, it would do him good what will all the sadness threatening to oppress him. Standing up awkwardly, mug of cold cocoa in hand he stammered. "Uh...hate to do this to you guys," spoke the blond man clearly. "But there's something I need to do. So, if you don't mind," he continued placing the mug down and ushering the students out of his van. "Don't worry. Take the cups with you. You can bring them to me later." Putting on a heavier cloak as he walked out, Ocean Tea Jones puled out his wand and locked the door. "I'll be back later to discuss Liam's memorial," he whispered against the wind before tightening the robes around his torso. "Right now there's somewhere I need to go real quick." Hurrying into the distance, Ocean's tall figure became smaller and smaller until he disappeared. |
"Thanks, Ocean," Excelsior said. "I'm sorry to hear that, Jason," he said, as the two of them walked out from the van. "Sometimes it's really hard to get to know girls here, but I'm sure the right one is out there for you and you are bound to find her. She might even come along without your even thinking about it! You shouldn't go to Durmstrang or anything, the girls are much nicer here, and I bet you're going to find somebody really soon. You know, when I first came here I didn't think I was going to get any girls, then I just stopped thinking about it, I just stopped trying and before I know it it happened. I really think that's all you need to do, just don't worry about it." He hoped his advice would be helpful. "Want to go to the vegetable patch?", he asked. |
Gina grinned at Jason and said"Hi."She gave him her hand and curtsied."I'm Gina."she was sort of lonely so she followed the boys. |
Reese slowly got to her feet and tied her hair up into a pony-tail and said,"I'll guess I'll see you around."She headed towards the door and laid the cup down on the table and opened the door.She wiped the last remaining tear away from her face and slowly stepped down from the van into the rain. |
Xana slipped out of the van hut as well and headed back toward the castle. |
Jason takes Gina's hand. " You are nice, but you do not have to curtsy before me. jason said as he smiled at her. " So why hve I never seen you around the school or grounds til now? 'Jason quieries Gina. |
Monica, still crying silently, slipped past her cousin with a sob. |
"Monica, sorry about everything" Jason says. " I heard you a heroine" Jason smiles ather. " It must have been exhilarating and scary to save someone drowning" jason tells her, This may be an accidetal double post because computer screwed up and am sorry for ti. Hopefully it is jjust one post. |
"I'm sorry too Jason." She said softly. "I miss hanging around you and I really need you right now. Can we please be friends again?" She asked, wiping her tears away. |
" Friends again Monica" Jason smiles at her. |
Monica ran to her cousin and hugged him. "Yesterday was really scary for me. I tried so hard to save him and he died in my arms." She whispered. |
" i am so sorry Monica" Jason tells her and hugs her back. |
'And you were all mad at me and I felt terrible about our fight." She cried. "I missed hanging out with you. I sould have listened to you at Christmas and everything." she whispered. |
" No problem," Monica, you did not know me that well at Christmas" Jason tells her. his mind wanders to Gina. |
"Yeah but still you were right." She tried to smile. "you had a feeling he would lie to me and you were right." |
" well I hope the new guy is good to you or he will have to deal with me, Excelcior and probably Camira" Jason tells Monica. " If we aren't scary enough, then he has to deal with you" jason Potter Weasley says. " He has no chance" jason laughs. "What is yoru boyfreind's name, Monica?" jason asks. |
Quote:
|
Barry opened the door and said "Sorry I took so long may I come in" |
Ocean never truly locked his door. What he did was put up his guards. If the door handle was touched without the guards being lifted there was a series of protective charms that would go off, consequentially triggering the others. Barry had made the mistake of opening the door while Ocean wasn't home. The wall slammed shut with such force, the wind must have knocked Barry off his feet. With loud clanging noises the van folded within itself like a box and was swallowed by a hole that appeared from the ground, leaving Barry surrounded by crates and surfboards. An eerie silence followed the racket only to be followed by loud stomping. The surfboards had sprouted legs and arms and were now marching menacingly in Barry's direction. Trapping him within their arms, they held him still. If only Ocean returned fast enough. |
Jack was on his way to meet the new Groundskeeper whom he had not met yet. There always seemed to be a new Groundskeeper. Odd. He grinned as he saw the brightly painted hippy van and other decorations after making his way across the sloping lawns. Then, something happened very fast. The whole van seemed to fold itself up and fell into a hole. Jack's eyes widened as, as if by magic, duh, of course it was magic, the surfboards grew legs and were making their way towards a teeny firstie. Where the hell was the Groundkeeper?! What happened to the van? Jack was rooted to the spot. He had no idea what to do. "Holy ..." He muttered under his breath looking back to see where the new guy was. Did it look like Jack had done this to the van? Jack was now officially panicking. |
" take it easy Monica, i have to talk to someone about some personal stuff" Jason told her. |
The rain was still pounding against his barrier, continuously walking with his head bent he didn't see the commotion from a distance. It wasn't until he was missing his surfboards embedded on the ground that he realized what had happened. "You gotta be kidding me," he muttered through clenched teeth as he stared incredulously at one of his magicked boards keeping the small intruder trapped within its embrace. "Doesn't anyone knock on doors anymore?" Letting out a flustered sigh, he cursed profusely with each stomp he took to become nearer to the boy and stopped besides a panicking Hufflepuff. "See this?" He spoke serenely, pointing at the spectacle. "That's what happens when you forget your manners." Hands on his hips, Ocean shook his head, yet again making irritated sounds like heaving sighing, sharp intakes of breaths and cussing. Lots of it. Resetting them booby traps was going to take forever! |
Jack simply stood and stared. Bewildered. The new Groundskeeper was a tad scary. He didn't seem to care about the first year who was trapped at all, he only seemed bothered about his own possessions. He looked up at Ocean. Rain was poking him in the eyes and his hair was flat against his forehead. He couldn't believe that he was just standing there moaning and swearing. The stupidest thing crossed his mind. "It always rains when you go out, huh?" Pillock. Utter moron. Jack had now crossed the line of being stupid and was now so much more. Who would make that statement in this situation? The first year was still trapped. The two older guys were both standing, watching; one of which moaning about the rain, the other complaining about his stuff. Great. |
Ocean looked sideways at the kid and sucked his teeth at the pitiful state the Hufflepuff was in. Didn't anyone use Impermeable Charms anymore? Flicking his wand over the student, he wrapped him in an invisible air bubble, making the drops of water bounce of his already drenched body. "No," he remarked. "Only when you're around." Rubbing the back of his neck, he groaned as the surfboards stood still looking (if they had eyes) at their creator. "Well what are you waiting for?" He called out angrily at the boards. "Are you trying to suffocate the kid?" Confused, the surfboards began to pass the first year between themselves like he was a hot potato. Ocean Tea Jones slapped his forehead. "They're worse than the charmed coat rack." |
Kai walked up to the door and knocked twice, she held the muffins she made in a bag, she herd the new grounds keeper liked them. There were all sorts of flavours, chocolate chip, banana, honey glazed with granola. She smiled hoping he would like what she brought. |
Barry was terrified by what had happened it was just bad he shock himself and saw Kai he went up trebeling and said "Helo there K-kai how are you today" |
Camira walked up to the door and knocked harshly and repeatedly. She couldn't believe the nerve of this Ocean man. Completely ignoring her amicable attempts at an introduction. He was definitely going to get one now, whether he liked it or not. She was not going away. She stood there in preparation, eyes staring ahead defiantly, lips pursed, and arms crossed. All in all, she looked quite intimidating.... if you were 11, that is. |
With a wave of his hand the surfboards had dropped Barry and returned to dig themselves (with some effort) back into the ground. He stomped the ground twice and his van popped out of nowhere. No sooner than it had appeared students were knocking on his door again. He wasn't even inside the poor thing. Clearing his throat, he coughed into his closed fist. "Yes?" He spoke loudly to the students already gathered before and around his van-hut. "Who exactly are you looking for?" |
Jack was surprised to see everything back to normal but glad that the kid was alright. He chuckled at the surfboards as he made his way to the van. The Groundskeeper seemed to be a grumpy guy who hated company but he had come down here so no point in leaving now. "You, duh." Jack replied, as if that was the most obvious thing ever. |
One small black object whizzed through the grass, hardly more than a blur, and another one followed. Identical black stripes were drawn on each black streak and they took bounding leaps and pounces through the tall grass. So small were the little figures that whenever they went back down, into the grass, they seemed to almost disappear entirely, but for two little black, twitching ears. Itty bitty ears and the top of it's head, with the beginning of the white stripe. One began to run, bushy tail fluttering with the breeze as it sped away from the other one, bounding, bouncing, leaping, flying, taking sharp lefts and rights, hooking and doubling back. If they had voiced, they'd be laughing. Or giggling, perhaps, in a very school child-ish manner. Through the "jungle", they made their way, off the paths towards the brightly colored van. They didn't seem to be intending to have a direction for where they were going, but unconciously, they seemed to be lured this way. And then her calls came out. "PEPE LE STINKY! FLOWER! GET BACK HERE! NOW!" Issy was huffing and puffing as she ran, holding a stitch in her side, cloak flapping out behind her as she ran after the skunklettes. It wasn't that she was a bad runner - she'd just been running for a long time after them. Their twitchy noses had caught the scent of liberty wafting through the doors in the Entrance Hall and suddenly, they'd graced freedom and took it a few steps (bounds, leaps, and pounces) too far. "PEPE LE STINKY! FLOWEEEEEEER! I DEMAND YOU COME TO ME!" Her tiny voice came out wheezy and gasping for air, not carrying too well. And it was no wonder - her tiny body could not possibly encompass large enough lungs to keep her running and shouting at the top of her lungs after the small skunks that were romping and having too much fun avoiding their master. Pausing a few feet away from the van, she bent over, hands on her knees, panting heavily, the stitch now very sore as she tried to hold it with one free hand. Stupid skunks! She knew she should've bought them leashes! And now, they were romping, perhaps twenty feet from her, but she hadn't the energy to even TRY to summon them. ...summon. Right... summoning spell.... but... what was the incantation again? Instead, she dropped to the ground, rolling onto her back, hands propping beneath her head, and began to gulp in lungfuls of cool air. |
Jake knocked on the door once. He hoped he could talk to the professor alone. |
Jack turned around, hearing a young girls voice yelling something. Not too far away a small girl was bent over holding her side. Jack squinted through the sharp sunlight to where she was standing to see exactly what she was doing but he couldn't figure out what that actually was. Out of nowhere she just fell onto her back, lying in the grass. Jack, out of curiousity more than anything, abandoned his visit to the Groundskeeper and trudged his way over to where the small girl, almost definetly in first year, was lieing in the grass. He stood over her, staring down at this little person that was lieing down panting and gulping. "What the heck are you doing?!" Jack asked her, puzzled. He held out a hand for her to use to get back up again. |
Quote:
Glancing sideways he took a deep breath before answering. "Oh really?" He spoke sarcastically. "I was hoping they were here for you." Kids. Walking towards his van he reached out for the door handle, ready to let them all in. Soon, he'd run out of tea and he'd have to sent for more crates from his plantation. It was like he had suddenly developed a brood of children. Ocean was determined to never have any children of his own if he could help it. He chose to ignore the blond boy for now seeing as there was an peculiarly high pitch voice echoing across the grounds calling a stinky and flopper. Or whatever. Squinting as the figure grew nearer and nearer he raised his hand to use a visor and flinched when she collapsed. Feet in front of her bounced some critters he had never seen up close. "I'm going to start charging extra for this," he mumbled to no one as he brought his hand back down and began making his way towards the fallen student, careful not to step on the adorable black furry animals, leaping on the grass. He stopped halfway there, seeing as the boy who had been by his side had apparated? flown even to the girl's side? Either way he was drastically fast and there was someone else knocking on his door. Running a hand down his face he groaned. "I'm right here!" He bellowed. "There's nobody in there. Why is everyone knocking?" Honestly. |
Quote:
The boy's shadow over her felt nice and cool and, without realizing it, a serene smile crossed her face and she hummed lightly, tipping her face up, letting the shadow wash over her neck and trying to cringe into it. Her whole body could use that nice cool down, she instinctivly thought and sighed for a breif second, before realizing that the shadow and voice were coming from a person! A boy! Eyes opening quickly, she coughed and choked a little, wheezing and tried to push herself up. Too many actions took place though and she feebly admitted (silently) defeat, and reached up to take the boy's hand and pull herself up. How familiar this scene felt. Samson she muttered in her mind, as she attempted to steady herself on lightly shaking legs, wiping off the back of skirt. "I was taking a nap. What'd it look like?" she wheezed. The words were meant to come out sour, but she hadn't the strength to do so. "My skunks were running away and I was chasing them and I exhausted myself." She panted between every few words, but her breathing was slowly beginning to regulate some. Meanwhile, over a few feet away, near Ocean, the skunklettes had spotted him. One head perked up first, the other following not more than a moment later. For a breif moment, they seemed more like prarie dogs, and then the first skunklette took off, bounding towards the Professor, the other following him, scurrying to him as though drawn by some kind of aura. |
Still grumbling and still annoyed Ocean stared at the dark blurs heading his way. There was a brief moment where he doubted what he was seeing and he glanced over his shoulder, hoping someone behind him would clarify the situation for him. Sadly, there was no voice of reasoning and so Ocean Tea Jones set himself to meet his very first skunks. Checking his pockets rapidly, he tried to make sure he wasn't carrying any of his precious beetles. It just wouldn't do if they tried to eat his collection. Kneeling down he snapped his fingers and whistled. "Heeere little dudes!" He cooed. "Uncle Oche's got some nice grub for ya." |
Jack helped the small girl to her feet and raised his eyebrows when she mentioned skunks. Was she serious? "Skunks?" He didn't really like any creatures of any sort but skunks could be one of the worst to bring to school. The could stink out the place. He looked around to see where they were. Jack was surprised to see Ocean kneeling down talking to the little black things. He smirked and stepped towards him. "So you're nice to skunks." Jack started with a grin. "But when kids come down your lawn you get all grumpy." He was only joking but he could tell right from the moment the words left his lips that he was going to get some moody or sarcastic comment from the man. |
"Well, you see young man," began Ocean, a sideways glance being enough to realize who was speaking once more. "Skunks, unlike you, aren't cheeky." If only this was a school for skunks... |
Jack frowned. He refused to believe that he was cheeky. He exhaled slowly watching the man feeding the skunks while trying to think of what to say back to him. "I'm not cheeky. I'm just..." He trailed off, not knowing the word that finished that sentence. |
Quote:
Camira raised an eyebrow. Was the man really that daft. "We're obviously here for you. That's why we're at your door", she said freshly. Honestly, who was the Headmistress hiring these days? |
Quote:
Quote:
He stared at Lima blankly; No! This was not right! Kyler was going to stalk him, and only him. This was his plan to bigin with, why'd she have to join him now? "Now thats not fair," He scowled, forehead creasing. "Your gonna have to deal with being the backup." He snickered childishy at her. Kyler was A pain (To Ocean's butt) To deal with. If he didn't get his way, He would make you suffer. He nodded giving A small smirk to Ocean. Forest green eyes scanning his face fore any sing of anger. Wow, today he was not mad at him! Or not yet atleast. "Hola Dude," He added before taking A step inside his new home for the school year. Yes, A pain in his butt, for sure. |
Quote:
But he was part of the school staff. School Staff didn't send innocent children into peril by pushing them into gnome holes. "I could have sworn you were here to pull out the weeds from my garden," he spoke to the Slytherin, feigning shock. "Aii, and I had gotten my hopes up." Letting out an irritated sigh, he slipped his large hands into the pockets of his robes and strode lazily towards his front door, stopping Kyle just before he opened the door. "How many times do I have to say knock before entering?" He inquired and then tapped the note stuck to his door. "It's for a reason beside that it's polite to do so. If I'm not in there, it means the guards are up. Are you up for playing hot potato with the surfboards?" He continued on his rant, pointing behind him with his thumb at the now lifeless boards. "Trust me. It isn't fun to be passed around by a bunch of stiffs like those." |
Jason knocks on the door,may I come in to talk with you ocean? he asks somewhat nervously. |
Glancing away from the kid he was talking to, Ocean had to snort. Waving at the new arrival he nodded. "I'm not inside!" He called out. "If it wasn't obvious. I'm right here. How may I help you?" |
"Well Believe it or not Ocean, most of my problem has been solved." Jason tells him. The Volkswagon must have specail powers as well as you do. |
His left brow rose and he stood silent, skunlettes and students around him and Ocean Tea Jones had no choice but to blink dumbly, for once, not feigning his stupidity. "I'm...glad I could help?" |
Clifford had plucked up the courage for another trip onto the grounds. He couldn't keep putting off this visit. He had seen them beady little eyes watching him from every corner as he made his way his way to visit Mr. Groundskeeper. The gnomes were going to attack any day soon. He'd never made a visit to the Groundskeeper before, and as he approached what look like some jumbled up muggle invention he realised why he hadn't. They were obviously insane. But this was important! He spotted Mr. Groundskeeper talking to Jason and shiftily approached him, glancing over his shoulder in a paranoid manner. They were watching him, he could feel it. "Ummm, excuse me Mister Groundskeeper man?" Clifford cleared his throat, trying to grab his attention. "I was erm - wondering if you could help me." This guy with the funny house was the only person who could help. Oh boy. |
He turned around, yet again. Ocean was beginning to feel like a top, eternally spinning on the same spot as everyone came to amuse themselves with his twirling figure. Wrinkling his brow, he gazed down at the obviously disturbed student. He looked like a vigilante and the secret house elf mafia was after him for slipping Booger Feet the sock. "As long as it isn't illegal," he mumbled. |
As long as it isn't illegal? Clifford couldn't really be too sure about that. He wasn't very sure if gnomes had their own laws or not. He took a deep breath, readying himself. "Well, it's the gnomes in this place." He hissed quietly, twitching slightly. If the gnomes knew he had seeked outside help, they were sure to attack. "We had a slight misunderstanding last term, and they're planning a war against me." Clifford couldn't believe he was admitting this, but he didn't want to die at the hands of the evil gnomes. This was his only hope. |
His eyes narrowed slightly and briefly before he smiled broadly. "Gnomes are harmless to humans," he spoke congenially. "But if they're really troubling you just point out their location to me." Ocean placed his hands on his hips. He had thought he had dealt with the gnome issue and he wasn't entirely sure he could believe this student. The circles underneath the boy's eyes were putting him off. |
This was Mister Groundskeeper, the guy obviously knew his stuff when it came to gnomes, but Clifford couldn't help but stare up at him doubtfully. "Gnomes are harmless to humans?" He asked his brow furrowed behind a mass of messy hair. Maybe the reason he could feel hundreds of tiny eyes following him when he ventured onto the grounds was simply paranoia. Or maybe this guy thought it would be funny to trick him. Maybe this guy thought it would be funny to send him into a gnome trap! He could trust noone! Clifford stumbled backwards, his eyes still on the man infront of him. "They're after me. I know they are. They want revenge!" Why, oh why had he tried eating one? Stupid potatoes with legs. |
"Maybe they are," he grumbled to himself as he frowned at the grass. It wasn't because he genuinely believed the hysterical young man. It was more like, the gnomes should probably be out to get him as punishment for his ridiculousness. "Nonsense!" He exclaimed loudly. "Now if you're not going to point me in the direction of these killer gnomes then you might as well hide in your common room." And he was supposed to be in Slytherin? Shameful. |
Monica waited for Excelsior and Tia, "Come on!" She yelled, Knocking on Ocean's Door 3 times. |
Excelsior caught up with Monica. "I hope he's in there," he said. He thought he heard movement inside the van, but he wasn't certain. |
Tia ran over and stood with Monica hoping that Ocean was in his hut |
Clifford almost jumped out of his skin when Mister. Groundskeeper raised his voice, but upon hearing his words, he looked down at the ground and shuffled his feet awkwardly. He had come here for some advice, maybe some comfort, and the Groundskeeper was making him feel like a complete and utter loon. Hey, maybe he was a complete and utter loon. "They were over by the Whomping Willow." Clifford told him, shoving his hands deep in his pockets, and kicking at the ground. "There was a whole gang of them." Hearing someone knock on the near by strange hut thingy, Clifford finally looked up to see Excelsior, Monica and Fiona waiting outside Mister. Groundskeeper's hut. Hmmm. Could they not see he was over here? Strange. "I think you have more visitors, Mister." He stated the obvious. |
"Hey Clifford, how's it going?," Excelsior said. Clifford apparently had been expressing some fear of the gnomes around the grounds, interesting. |
Ocean shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and breathed out. Sucking his teeth he didn't speak at first, just observing the children hurry and knock at his door as he stood outside through his pale blond bangs. "I think you're right, young man," he spoke to the gnome-phobe. "If you turn around," he interrupted loudly. "You might find out that the person you're seeking isn't inside." What...were they near-sighted? He was basically right next to them. |
"Hey there Excelsior." Clifford greeted his friend, when Excelsior seemed to realise that he and Mister Groundskeeper were there. "I'm just here to try and sort out this problem I've been having with the gnomes around here." Stupid, wild, attacking killer gnomes. He decided not to point out that rather than get help, he was starting to feel like a paranoid freak. "What brings all you guys over here?" He asked, looking in Monica and Fiona's direction. |
"Hey Clifford," Excelsior said. "We're down here because the three of us saw a wolf over by the lake just now." Excelsior guessed that in their excitement to reach the van, they had completely overlooked the fact that Ocean and Clifford were standing outside. Not one of them had noticed it before, so it only showed how shaken up they were about what had happened. "Hi, Ocean," he said. "Did you know that there was a wolf over by the lake?" |
Monica smiled. "Sorry Ocean, we were in such a hurry to come see you, that we didn't notice you were out here." She smiled softly. |
Tia just smiled and stood beside Excelsior and Monica |
Ocean nodded agreeably as the gnome-phobe spoke and opened his mouth to speak quickly. "And I was telling the young man that--Excuse me what?" Had he heard correctly. A wolf by the lake? Slipping one hand out of his trouser pockets and into the inside of his robes, his wand was whipped out immediately, eyes turning dark. "No one's hurt, I hope," he remarked, not bothering with words any longer and began to walk rapidly towards the lake. |
"No, no one got hurt. It was actually a bit strange. The wolf came down and looked at all of us. It just sat there for a while watching, then suddenly made a lot of noise and ran back towards the forest. I've never seen anything like it before," Excelsior said. "Then, what was even stranger was that a girl came and asked us if we had seen the wolf immediately after it had run off, and she went off looking for it, too." |
A wolf? That was worse than the gnomes! What kind of school was this? "A wolf as in one of those big scary, hairy dogs?" Clifford said in awe, his brown eyes widening with fear. He looked up at Mister. Groundskeeper questioningly. His gnome problem was surely going to be forgotten about now he had a wolf to handle. |
"Yes a wolf." Monica nodded. |
He stopped mid-stride, wand still out, turning on his spot to face Excelsior, a brow lifted on its own accord. "You mean to say the wolf is gone and that a student went after it? Where did they go?" Ocean rubbed the back of his head. This began to sound like more trouble than he was up to dealing with. Smiling sympathetically at the boy apparently named Clifford, he clapped his shoulder. His gnome problem would have to wait. |
"The girl, her name is Ponessa, she ran into the forest after the wolf," Excelsior said. "She was by herself. Oh yeah, she told us not to worry about it, that she didn't think the wolf would come back again or hurt anyone." That part was kind of weird, but Excelsior figured he better mention it, anyway. What was it about that wolf? |
"It's alright." Clifford sighed when Mister. Groundskeeper clapped him on the shoulder and gave him an 'I'm sorry this is more important' smile. "I guess killer wolves are more important than attacking gnomes." He rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, his hands still in his pockets as he watched the small group. "Oohh. Ooh." He he began bouncing excitedly. "Are we going on a wolf hunt?" |
"I'm sorry, Clifford," Excelsior said. "I know these gnomes are of concern to you. I wouldn't worry too much about any of this stuff, though, I think it's all going to be okay." |
"Into the forest..." muttered Ocean redundantly, his gaze wondering to the line of dark trees where the Forbidden Forest began. No one was allowed into the forest. Ocean himself wouldn't wander into the forest without some proper preparation. He filed the name Ponessa into the important archive of his memory. The way the girl spoke about the wolf, according to Excelsior, made it seem like the female student had had some previous interaction with the wolf. He tried not to chuckle at Clifford's last words and since he didn't dare find his question humorous, he rewarded the student with a grip of his shoulder in approval. "Not exactly," he replied. "Where did you say you saw the wolf? Perhaps its best if you take me there?" |
"It was down by the lake," Excelsior said. "I can show you the exact spot where we were talking when we saw the wolf, and where the wolf was." |
Nodding simply he kept his wand out just in case and released Clifford's shoulder. "Very well, lead the way Excelsior," he ordered and tilted his head at Clifford. "You may come if you want to. Unless you want to keep watch over my van here." He was hesitant about leaving the children around his hut alone. Excelsior had said the wolf hadn't been violent but who knew if it returned irritated and decided to attack someone. Ocean couldn't possibly handle the guilt. |
"Okay," Excelsior said, starting off towards the lake. "We'll be back soon," he promised Monica and Tia. It was best if they were kept safe, just in case. "Are you with us, Clifford, or would you rather stay here? It's up to you." |
Monica headed off with her brother, no way she was going to be alone while w wolf was around! |
Tia nodded at Excelsior and decided to stay because she did not want to be near that wolf again there was something strange about the wolf that really scared her |
It seemed Mister. Groundskeeper and Excelsior were going off to the lake to see if they could spot this wolf creature. He gave a low whistle, they were brave. "I'll - uh, stay and keep watch over your van." He said quickly, with a nod. The idea of a wolf hunt sounded exciting. But Clifford was the boy that found gnomes scary, this wasn't his thing at all. "I'll be like your security guard, you know, make sure noone steals your ..." He looked around and spotted these weird board things sticking in the ground and a few barrells. "Uh - stuff." He finished slowly, before folding his arms across his chest. "Did you not wanna go on the wolf hunt?" He asked, noticing Fiona had decided to stay behind. At least he wasn't on his own if the wolf or gnomes decided to pay the Groundskeeper a visit. |
I gotta go for now, But I'll probably be back on later. After the trek up to the hut, she someone else at the hut. "Hey." she said quietly, and rotated her arm slowly, pushing her silver hair out of her eyes. |
"Hey to you too." Clifford raised a suspicious eyebrow when some girl he didn't recognise approached Mister. Groundskeeper's hut. He was here under special orders to watch over this van, and he would do a good job. He unfolded his crossed arms, and held out an arm to halt this girl. "If your names not down, you're not coming in." He said, eyeing her through narrowed eyes. |
Ocean snickered, losing his credibility as a grown up for a few minutes. Clapping Ponessa's shoulder as he walked past her, he ruffled Clifford's hair. "It's okay, Big Cliff, she's with me," he spoke in a teasing manner, pulling out his wand and tapping the door knob twice. The door knob turned scarlet and vibrated in its place briefly before returning to it's normal color. Ocean put his wand away and opened the door, sweeping his arm, he gestured to the inside of his van-hut. "You're both welcome inside." |
Clifford grinned sheepishly and puffed out his chest proudly when Mister. Groundskeeper ruffled his hair, called him 'Big Cliff' and started unlocking his house. If you could call this strange thing a house, that was. It seemed he knew this intruder girl, so the hand Clifford had raised to stop her slowly returned to his pocket. "You were lucky this time." He warned, one eyebrow raised before turning back to the van and Mister. Groundskeeper. He was welcome inside? Ooookay. He looked over his shoulder toward the castle. He had two choices. One: Attempt to make his way back to the castle, and be at risk of killer wolves and war-frenzy gnomes. Or two: Stick around with with this strange guy. He stepped over the threshold in an instant. "Do you have any food?" He asked in hope as he scanned the small place. All this drama had given him an apetite. |
Evangeline didn't even had time to take in the weird appearance of the Groundskeeper's thingy. Nope. She was too busy trying not to think about the scary wolf she had just saw. And too busy trying not to fall down. Which was incredible harder to do when you were running. Miracoulsy, she managed to get to the van without falling over and slowed down her pace as she saw who was there. Excelsior and his sister. And Clifford. Now was not the time. Turning to the Groundskeeper, she tried to remember his name. She had heard the Headmistress said. She had. Hmmmm...Of course! He was called Sea!! "Mr. Sea.." She started, panting ever to slightly. Okay, maybe running all the way hadn't been such a good idea. "There's a huge wolf...in the pathways." She told him seriously, stopping to breathe again and placing her hand on her chest. Nope, running hadn't been one of her best ideas. "He was sniffing and..did I mention he was huge??" |
Ocean had begun to tell Clifford about the banana nut muffins when he was interrupted by another student, this case a frightened girl. Raising his palms calmingly he shushed her softly. "There there," he whispered, holding her up by the shoulders. "Catch your breath." Another wolf? Or was it the same one? Ocean greatly hoped it was the very same wolf as before. Dealing with a lone wolf was better than having to protect students from a pack of wolves. And it was so odd that they'd show up at this time of day. "Cliff," he spoke loudly turning to the boy. "Since the van is open, take Excelsior and Monica inside. On the coffee table there should be a basket of muffins. Help yourself. Betty will serve you some tea." He purposely forgot to mention that Betty was a temperamental magical teapot. "Don't step on the moss by the table, it's sensitive and don't touch the glass tanks. The beetles get skittish." |
Clifford was a little peeved when Mister. Groundskeeper muffin talk was interrupted by someone, but when he caught sight of Evangeline looking panic stricken his stomach seemed to drop. It seemed she'd seen this wolf too, and it was then he realised how serious this was. What if Evangeline had got hurt? He gave a firm nod, clicked his heels and saluted when Mister. Groundskeeper began giving him orders. "At your service, Mister. Groundskeeper sir. You go teach that big bad wolf a lesson. Kick his butt!" Was Evangeline going with him? EEK! It seemed that way. He sent her a reassuring smile before motioning for Excelsior and Monica to come in. It didn't seem safe out there anymore. "I hope this Betty lady hurry up and serves tea." He muttered, looking around for the waitress as he began shoving a muffin in his gob. Deeee-lish. |
Evangeline stopped talking when Mr. Sea placed his hands on her shoulders and she nodded, following his advice. Just breeeeeeathe. Breathe. She smiled back at Clifford and looked back up at Mr. Sea when her breathing was normal again. “Okay. So I was by the pathways and I saw this boy acting all wolfy like.” She told him seriously with a nod of her head. “Running around on all fours and so. But then, just minutes ago, there was this enormous wolf prancing around and sniffing the air.” Her nodding soon became more frantic and she chewed her lip. Silly scared girl. “I just came to tell you, sir.” She finished, her voice low. Big wolves with big teeth were a big no no. |
Eh... The Groundskeeper did his best not to express his suspicions or confusion and simply removed his hands from the girl's posterior. Instead, he focused on the description he was given of the earlier wolf. He'd deal with strange students later. "Was the wolf white with blue eyes?" He inquired. |
Evangeline wrinkled her nose in concentration for a moment. Was the wolf white? "Hmmm...I do believe it was silver, sir. Even though I suppose it can be appear to be white." She shrugged, focusing on the eyes. Had she looked at the wolf's eyes? Hmmm..nope. Not really. "I'm not sure about the eyes though. I was too busy looking at his teeth." She admitted sheepishly, her cheeks turning dimly pink as she admitted to be scared. But then again, who could blame her? |
Inside the hut, Betty was alarmed by the sudden appearance of students. Buzzing from her spot on Ocean's desk she whizzed towards the nearest and stinkiest of them all, flying circles around his head. Outside the hut, Ocean was guessing that the wolf this girl had seen was probably the very same one Excelsior and company had seen by the lake. "Is it safe to assume that the wolf is gone?" He inquired the girl. "Or would it be best if you took me to the spot you saw it last? I think that's best," he answered himself. One could never bee too cautious. |
On the outside, Clifford appeared to be in heaven. He was sitting here, a basket full of muffins infront of him, happily stuffing his face. What more could a guy want? He was worried though, about Evangeline and about Mister. Groundskeeper. There was a wolf out there. Or possibly a pack of wolves. That couldn't be good. And where on Earth was this Betty woman? Clifford was ready for his tea already! Maybe she was playing hide-and-seek. Chewing his lip he pondered searching for her, but something Mister. Groundskeeper had said about glass tanks and beetles kept him glued in his seat. Then, without warning, Clifford was under attack. Under attack by a teapot it seemed. His arms flapped around wildly as he tried to swat at the teapot that was flying around his head. Gnomes, wolves, teapots. Was he a magnet for trouble? "Betty!" He called helplessly, "Betty.. Miss. Waitress Lady! I don't wanna play Hide-and-Seek anymore! I give up, you win. Help! The teapot is trying to eat my ears!" This was just too much. With a small whimper, Clifford slipped of the chair and crawled under the table, hugged his knees to his chest and rocked back and forth. |
“I’m not sure, sir.” Evangeline started, chewing on her lower lip in concentration. She had left immediately hadn’t she? She didn’t know if the wolf was there still. “So I suppose you’re right. The best is that I take you there.” She breathed out a small sigh, that meant facing the Big Scary Wolf again. She looked over at Clifford sadly, it she was going to die she wanted at least to see him one last time. But she couldn’t help but to blink. Clifford was under the table, looking very scared, and being attacked by a – teapot? “Hmm..sir? Your teapot is attacking Clifford.” She said, nodding at where Clifford was. What a weird day today was turning out to be. |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 12:03 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.3.2 © 2009, Crawlability, Inc.
Site designed by Richard Harris Design