I scanned the cafeteria looking for Huntress. She wasn’t in PE class. I wonder where she ran off to now. Then I saw a new girl walking around. It was easy to distinguish a new student in NSA; usually they were alone as no student would want to be on the line of fire if the newbee was to be picked on by the bullies. She was looking for a table to sit in when one of the boys with Ivan saw her and pointed her to Ivan. Ivan glanced her way and grinned, then he moved back, knocking the girl’s tray. The boys laughed, Ivan stood up and reached for her arms. I shook my head, I saw Lei watching and listening as well.

                                “Oh, I am so sorry.” He said. “Are you ok?”

                                “It’s ok… it was an accident.” The girl said with a smile.

                                “But still, you have to make it up for me, here…” Ivan pulls out a chair. “Sit with us.” The girl looked at him, unsure. “C’mon, it’s cool, come join us.” Ivan said taking her tray and settling it on the table. The girl walks up to the table and beside the chair. She smiled at everyone in the table. “I must warn you though, these guys are pigs, I just lost my cake somewhere around here.”

                                Lei was watching Ivan and his friends. I need to distract Lei, I thought.

                                “So how’s school?” I asked her.

                                It has been a month since they arrived, and she was a year lower than we are, so she had to deal with being a newbee alone. But Lei’s strong and is a fighter, we have no problem with her being alone.

                                “Lei?” But Lei wasn’t listening to me, she was busy watching Ivan and the others laughing around and making fun of the girl. I sighed and went straight to the point.        “Don’t think about it Lei,” I was watching Ivan and the others as well. “Huntress wouldn’t want you to do that.”

                                “But look at them,” she snapped, “that girl has no idea of what’s going to happen.”

                                “I know, but really, don’t get your self involved.” I pleaded as they walk toward our usual table. “It isn’t really worth it believe me. You should be thankful that they’re not giving you any attention at all.”

                                “But still-“

                                “Lei, Huntress won’t forgive herself if something happens to you. She might look like she’s all high and bossy, but she’s really not. Just wait for one of the twins to come. They’ve never miss a beat.”

                                “Well, there is a first time for everything, isn’t there?

                                I sighed and shook my head, while Lei took another glance at Ivan and his friends’ table. And sees the girl grin and sits, but one of the boys slipped a slice of cake on her chair, and when she sat, she bolt right up again. Ivan and his friends laughed out loud making the whole student body look their way. The girl looked down and saw the cake and picked up.

                                “So that’s where it went!” Ivan shouts.

                                Lei, angrier than ever, dumped her tray down, “That’s it.” Then she stormed off toward Ivan and the others.

                                “Lei, no!” I put down my tray as well and run after Lei.

                                Lei reached the table and took the girl by the arm, “Hey, you ok?” The girl gave her a questioned look. Lei sighed and rolled her eyes, “C’mon let’s get you out of here.”

                                “Hey, look! The clown brought friends with her!” one of the boys sneered.

                                The girl turns to leave with Lei but Ivan grabbed the girl by the other arm, “And where do you think you’re going? I’m not finish with you yet.”

                                Lei grabbed Ivan by the wrist and pulled it off and pushed him back. “You have enough jesters here.” Lei snapped and glared at him and his friends.

                                “You have a sharp tongue, newbee.” Ivan stepped forward, “You have some nerve picking a fight with me.”

                                “And I wonder when you’re planning to pick a fight with me?” Lei taunted.

                                Ivan sneered, “I can’t do that, it’s like playing with my food.” His friends laughed.                                                    This was too much for me. And knowing Huntress, she’d have a fit if she finds out about this. This will be all too much for her, this will taunt her to fight, I’m sure of it.

                                “I can’t bully you and fight you at the same time.” I heard Ivan say.

                                “Then why not pick a fight with me?” I heard Huntress ask.

                                Ivan stepped back. “Huntress, uhm, I was just showing the new girl around.”

                                She raised her brow, liar. The word switched on my head like some crazy Las Vegas sign board. Huntress hates liars. “You better make sure that that’s exactly what you were doing, Ivan, or else…” she moved closer and bent in to whisper into his ear, “I’ll make you feel pain so bad, you’d wish you were dead, and I’ll only be happy to grant you that wish.” Ivan’s knees buckled, it had always amazed me how scared Ivan gets when Huntress and Hunter deals with him. And the past few months I learned why. When the twins say it, they mean it. Ivan knows Huntress can do it. Huntress took a step back and faced him. “Am I clear?”

                                “Crystal.” He said in a whisper.

                                Huntress smiled. “Good.” Then she turned to face us. “C’mon ladies, you should never accept the acquaintance of a weasel.” Some students snickered.  I reached for the new girl and lead her away.

“I think we’re in the chicken pen Hun.” Lei added and sneered at Ivan. Huntress chuckled and gave a small nod, agreeing. She turns to leave and follow us, with Lei beside her. The students around us were now shaking their head and secretly laughing at Ivan. I can feel Ivan glaring at us, making me smile, relieved. Then Ivan broke down.

“Argh!” he shouted as he run toward Huntress with a fist on air.

But Lei turned around and caught his fist, then hit him with her knees on his stomach, making him kneel down, out of breath. She looked down at him with disgust.

“Pathetic.” she said.

He glared at her still wincing in pain.

“Lei?” I called out. I turned and followed them. Then we left the cafeteria.

                                Irene watched us as we left the cafeteria and knelt beside Ivan, who was glaring at us as well.

                                “They’re going to pay for that.” Ivan growled. Irene smiled.

                                “And it looks like our chance is tonight; looks like the princess and her crew will be planning a night out...” Irene said.

                                “How do you know that?” Drew asked.

                                “A sad new girl,” Irene points at Taea, “means a girl’s night out.”

                                “So? What do we care?” Roxy asked, turning away.

                                Irene faced her friends, “We’ll deal with them then, and I just know the perfect people for the job.”

                                Ivan smiled at her little sister, “What do you need?” he asked.

                                Outside, we sat on the bench on our usual spot where we wait for the boys. Lei and I sat beside the new girl.

                                “You ok?” Lei asked her again.

                                “Yes, thank you.” The girl said with a shy smile.

                                “No problem, besides you just made Lei’s day.” I point out to Lei.

                                Lei grinned, “So, what can you say about that Huntress?”

                                No answer. We looked around.

                                “Hey, where did Huntress go?” I asked.

                                “Huntress?” the new girl asked.

                                “Yeah, the one who cut in the fight?” I said with pride. Not everyone was in first name basis with the twins, they hardly know anyone. And I’m proud of what the twins do, the way they protect those who are weak, it just so sweet.

                                “Which was my fight. “ Lei reminded, “Probably got humiliated, I took limelight didn’t I?”

                                “And it was quite impressive,” I heard Huntress say, I saw her walking toward us. “Good call too.”

                                “Where have you been?” I asked.

                                “Locker.” she said and walked up to the new girl and handed her a skirt. “Here, you can’t go walking around the academy like that.”

                                The girl looked at the skirt and took it. “Thank you.”

                                “By the way I’m Hunille Triszjhkha Aengelle Anzobbe Achilles Rhamseey Ellis Matthews.” I lent out my hand for a shake, but the girl just stared. “You can call me Huntress though.”

                                But she was still staring at Huntress. Huntress glanced at me, with a questioned look. I smiled. She’s probably wondering if she did something wrong. I thought and shook my head in respond. I knew that it was her first time to introduce herself to someone who doesn’t know anything about her. I looked at the new girl and saw her staring at Huntress, then at Lei then at me. The three of us exchanged looks as well.

                                “Hello? Earth to newbee?” Lei waved her hand over her eyes.

                                The girl snapped out of her trance and looked at all of us and blushed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare.”

                                “It’s cool,” I said smiling, “Pretty use to it by now.”

                                The girl giggled, “I’m sure you are. You are the talk of the whole school after all.”

                                “We are?” Lei asked; a brow shot up.

                                “Well, yeah. My classmates advised me to get acquainted to you girls as soon as possible.”

                                “And why is that?” I asked.

                                “Well, safety purposes.” She admitted. “They said to keep safe, must find the angels amongst the mortals.” Lei, Iris and I exchanged looks again.

                                “Angels? Us?” Lei asked and gave a small laugh, “More of sentinels.”

                                I gave her a look which, Lei didn’t take notice of.

                                “Well, you found us,” she waves her arm to point at me, Huntress and herself. “What do you get as a prize?”

                                “Well, they said if I got to know you three, then those bullies won’t give me such a hard time.” She said in a whisper. She gave each of us a look, which we returned with a look of- well- unease. “I guess they were also pulling my leg about that.” She sighed.

                                “Oh no, no you didn’t…” I said, my voice trailing off, as I didn’t know her name.

                                “Oh, where are my manners, I’m Titaea Naima Breiszeis Tiarra Crawford.” She said with a bow. “But please feel free to call me Taea.”                               

                                I faced her and smiled, “Then please call me Iris, I’m Iris Kymmberliy Ann Monicah Anderson.”

                                “And I am Lei Margaux Simone Paris Camia La Pierre, call me Lei.” Lei lent out her hand for Taea to shake.

                                Taea took it and shook her hand, “Well, it’s nice to meet you Iris, Lei and Huntress.”

                                I smiled back at her. Then Lei stood up and gave Huntress a smile, Huntress looked at her. Then Lei turned to face her with a smug look.

                                “So, you were impress… and what did else did you say?” she teased, “Good call?”

                                Huntress nodded, “I must admit that you do have a good sense of judgment. I’d give you as much as that.”

                                “And why is that exactly?” she asked, taunting Huntress again. But Huntress brushed it off.

                                “I’m sensing boredom coming tonight. You ladies want to go shopping?” Huntress said.

                                I raised my brow, Huntress hates the mall, and she and Hunter had a personal clothes buyer, what’s up with the invite? I thought.

                                “You didn’t an-“ Lei snapped.

                                “You are of course welcome to join us, Taea.” Huntress said, “We always have dinner at our house and do some of, um, work there as well.”

                                I widened my eyes; she’s being friendly and inviting Taea at the mansion. But she wasn’t… then I slowly understood what she was saying. But I had to be sure.

                                “Huntress, are you-“ Lei glared at me, then she turned to Taea, “No offense Taea, I don’t have anything against you. But some of our work are, well, quite sensitive.”

                                Taea blushed and shook her head, “It’s cool Lei, I totally understand. It is a girl friend’s thing.”

                                “Well, not really, my brother and some of our guy friends are their too. You really should come.” she insisted.

                                “Huntress?” Lei snapped.

                                Huntress glanced my way. I smiled and turned to Taea. “Huntress is right, you should come, you’ll love Huntress’ mom.”

                                Lei turned to Iris, dumbfounded. “Not you too, Iris! What’s wrong with you guys?”

                                “Well,” Huntress started trying to give Lei more hints, “I can see Taea joining our group soon.”

                                “You are?” Lei asked.

                                “I am?” Taea asked, “I mean, I will?”

                                Huntress stifles a laugh, “We’ll pick you up outside your dorm after--” she stops and closed her eyes, I knew that face. “Oh, for the love of all that’s good, he didn’t.”

                                “Why? What’s wrong?” I sat up and looked at her.

                                “That was really unnecessary.” she said pinching the bridge of her nose.

                                “So you’ve seen?” We turned and saw Jed and Mave coming.

                                “Please? Please tell me Hunter didn’t do that.” she said. What did Hunter do? I wondered.

                                “You saw it yourself Huntress.” Jed said, “There’s really no sense on lying”

                                Huntress sighed, “Well there’s no harm in hoping, is there?”

                                “Why? What did Hunter do?” Lei asked.

                                Jed snickered, “He’s dealing with Ivan right now.”

                                “Dealing how?” I asked.

                                Jed broke into a laugh, while Mave smiled. Huntress sighed and turned to me, “Hunter just locked Ivan in his own locker and welded it shut.”

                                “That isn’t funny.” I said.

                                “He picked him up in the middle of the cafeteria, and dragged him to the locker room.” Jed says and laughed again.

                                “I actually feel bad for Ivan, Hunter chose the locker which was at the least used corner of the shower room.” Mave said, and snickered, “He’ll be out of their by, let’s say, a day or two.”

                                “Probably dead.” Huntress mumbled and shook her head.

Then Mave sees Taea, “So, I’m guessing, you’re the newbee who the girls saved?” he asked.

“It’s Taea” she said, obviously irritated with everyone who calls her a newbee.

“And its Mave, Lei’s older brother,” He gave her a piercing look and grinned, “newbee.” I grinned and shook my head.

“And I’m Jed, Jed Hudson.” Jed cut in. “I would have loved to give you my whole name but I’m betting the girls overloaded your mind already, especially Huntress.” Then he jokingly lowered his voice, “She doesn’t get to introduce herself much since everybody already knows her.”

“Shut up Jed.” Huntress said, eyes still closed, probably looking for Hunter.

“Why?” he asked, “It is true, isn’t it?”

Then the bell rang. I looked around, still no sign of Hunter, I sighed and so did Huntress.

“Don’t worry about it Huntress,” Lei says, “Hunter won’t get Ivan killed, he’d probably let him go by the end of the day and let him run naked around the football field.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” she said, “Mave, maybe you should drop off the girls, Jed and I would wait for Hunter here.”

“What are you saying?” Lei asked, “And miss Hunter’s blow by blow story of what he did to Ivan? No way.”

I turned to Jed; he gave me a small nod. Then she looked away and frowned.

“Stop worrying Huntress, whatever happens, I’m sure it is nothing that a good long shopping can’t heal.” I said, reassuringly. “And also the perfect welcoming plan for Taea.” I put an arm over Taea who gave a smile and a nod.

Mave raised a brow, “So, she’ll be joining us tonight?” he glanced my way. I saw Huntress grinned and nodded. He smiled again and looked at Taea, “Sweet.”

Lei shrugged, obviously knowing that look.

Suddenly Huntress jerked. I looked up at her, wind blew and I smelled a familiar scent. Hunter’s scent. I saw Huntress shivered; We turned around and saw Hunter walking toward us with a frown, and then he stopped. I turned to look at him, there was something different about him, his eyes. They were cold and emotionless. I glanced at Huntress, and was surprise to see her face; it was like she was in pain. Then she looked away. I knew that if Huntress was scared of anyone, it’ll be of Hunter when he’s mad.

“Huntress…” I heard Hunter call, “Come here.”

Huntress turned and started to walk toward him, not looking up at his face. I stood up and ran to Huntress’ side. Huntress stopped and looked at me, “Hunter, listen…”

Huntress raised a hand to stop me, I have never seen the twins like this, and they looked like they were both in pain. But I can’t understand why. Huntress walked up to Hunter and stopped in front of him, with only a foot between them.

“You ok?” Hunter asked. Huntress gave a weak nod. “What about you Lei?” he asked without taking his eyes off of Huntress.

Lei was surprise, “Y- yes I am Hunter.”

“Good.” Then he gave Huntress his full attention. “You walked away?”

“Lei took care of him.” she whispered.

“She didn’t even raised a finger Hunter-“ I added.

Then Hunter slapped Huntress, my eyes widened in surprise. “Hunter!”

But he acted like he didn’t even hear me. I watched Huntress as she stood straight, holding her cheek. She didn’t look up at Hunter; she just stood their not fighting or arguing at all. Huntress… I thought. Then she dropped her arms on her side.

“You should have known better Huntress.” Hunter said. I saw Huntress nodded.

I took a step nearer Huntress, “But she didn’t-“

This time Hunter hits Huntress strong enough to make her fall on the ground.

“Stop it Hunter!” I shouted, I was about to reach for Huntress.

“Stay there Iris, don’t make it harder.” Huntress said, in pain.

“Huntress…” I whispered, watching her, and then I felt Jed’s hand on my arm, pulling me away.

And then Hunter starts to beat up Huntress. I hid my face in Jed’s chest, wanting to push away the sound of every fall, groan and sob of Huntress.