make a point that they were equal and if people couldn't see that, then they would let them remember what their neglectful viewpoints led to. It became a movement among other twins who dealt with the same issues, and thus, families with twins started separating their children at birth so they would be able to experience their own growth and later be reunited. That way, there would be no chosen "favorite" because both twins would have individualized personalities, but similarities in appearances and general actions."
"Wow," Connor whispered. "That's not something I would have ever guessed happened."
"It only stopped about thirty years ago. Twins are honestly rare nowadays. As for Alice, you now understand the predicament of her creation, so she's more of a sister than a twin. Brianne has both sides of her past life, just like Jax."
"Right." I'd forgotten about that. "Then, Alice will be okay?"
"She'll be fine once we explain the details. Before school begins we’ll go over the game plan to ensure you're all not bombarded with unnecessary questions."
"Is Semester Seven going to be the 'slower' semester?" Finnick inquired.
"If you want my honest opinion, I'm not sure. This is your last year at Witchling Academy. Do you feel ready to graduate after the last three years?"
Her question left the room quiet, and I took the opportunity to think about it as my eyes drifted to Brianne's sleeping expression.
If we graduated right here and now, would I be strong enough to protect her?
"No." I was the one to answer first before I lifted my eyes to meet her knowledgeable ones. "Not even close. There's still so many loose ends, and that’s even before the shadow people, who seem to always be ahead of us. It's stressful to just think about, which tells me I'm not ready to be out in the real world defending those I cherish."
My answer made her smile as she bobbed her head in understanding.
"Sometimes in this world, you'll never be ready for the real thing. However, there's always a will and way to achieve a state of confidence that allows you to move forward. The last three years have been interesting, and though you may not feel completely confident in your abilities as of yet, this year will do what it needs to for you to get there," she assured us. "Focus on your bonds with one another. Grow closer and get on the same page with what you want to achieve and become upon graduation. Graduating Witchling Academy is only the beginning of many routes, but as long as you have one another, you'll find the path that calls to each of you."
"Do you think the remainder of us will unlock god weapons?" Kaito quietly inquired.
"Maybe." She shrugged. "That's something not determined by me or the administration of Witchling Academy. That's based on your own experiences and growth. If the gods decide you are worthy of one in due time, it will happen. That's something to aspire to, but many have gained their weapons before the end of Semester Eight. So generally speaking, you could awaken it within this year, but that's a ballpark estimate. Don't take it to heart," she concluded.
"I guess...for vacation, we can do whatever then?" Connor asked for confirmation.
"Mhm," she replied with a firm nod. "We will handle the investigations here. It's our responsibility to ensure you guys are safe during your exams, and so far, someone above is doing a shitty job, which we have to figure out. It's quite obvious that an individual or even a group is behind these slip-ups that are giving this Dark Kingdom an advantage, but we'll locate them and ensure they receive their punishments."
"What if we see Elijah again?" I asked. "What should we do?"
"Determine if he's the same foe you faced on the ice mountain during your exam or if he's the trembling individual from the bridge. No matter if he's not frightened or cynical, one thing someone can't hide is their true emotions." She turned her attention to Connor, who nodded slowly.
"I'll take a longer analysis if we run into him again," he confirmed.
"Good." She gave us a tired smile. "I think it's time for me to retire for the evening. I'm a little exhausted."
"I can walk you back," I offered and rose up, then looked at Finnick. "Can you make sure Bri sleeps longer? She has a habit of trying to escape and cause mischief."
"If Red were awake, she'd totally counter that," Finnick pointed out with a sly grin.