Unlocked 8.5 (Keeper of the Lost Cities) Page 7
THE VACKER CONNECTION:
[UH, FITZY’S MY BEST FRIEND—NOT A “CONNECTION.” AND ALDEN AND DELLA ARE WAY NICER TO ME THAN MY OWN PARENTS ARE. BIANA’S SUPER AWESOME TOO. ALVAR… NOT SO MUCH. I PROBABLY SHOULD’VE SEEN THAT ONE COMING. BUT WHATEVER, MY POINT IS: I DIDN’T TRY TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE VACKERS—NO MATTER WHAT WEIRD STUFF WAS IN ONE OF MY ERASED MEMORIES. SO DON’T GO THINKING THERE’S MORE TO IT THAN THAT.]
[AND HOW DO YOU GUYS EVEN KNOW ABOUT THAT MEMORY? THAT KINDA MAKES ME WANT TO RIP THIS REGISTRY PENDANT OFF MY NECK AND THROW IT FAR, FAR AWAY!]
INSTANT RIVALRY:
[YOU THINK BANGS BOY AND ME ARE “RIVALS”? HATE TO BREAK IT TO YOU, BUT NOPE! I MEAN, YEAH, HE’S SUPER ANNOYING WITH ALL THE “LOOK AT ME, I’M A MOODY SHADE” NONSENSE—AND HIS HAIR IS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. BUT THERE’S NO RIVALRY. JUST DON’T EXPECT US TO BE BESTIES, AND WE’LL BE GOOD.]
UNWITTING ERRAND BOY:
[OKAY, THAT SUBHEADING MAKES ME WANT TO PUNCH WHOEVER WROTE IT IN THE MOUTH. BUT… I GUESS IT’S ALSO KIND OF TRUE. MY MOM DID HAVE ME DO STUFF AND THEN ERASE MY MEMORIES SO I WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT IT. MOM OF THE YEAR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. TRY NOT TO BE JEALOUS.]
[AND I’M WORKING ON GETTING THOSE MEMORIES BACK, BY THE WAY. I’VE BEEN FILLING JOURNALS WITH DRAWINGS AND EVERYTHING. IT’S JUST TAKING A WHILE BECAUSE I’VE BEEN A LITTLE BUSY ALMOST DYING AND STUFF.]
TEAM FOSTER-KEEFE:
[WOO-HOO, TEAM FOSTER-KEEFE IS OFFICIALLY A THING!]
[BUT THE REST OF THE STUFF IN THIS SECTION IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GETTING REDACTED. SERIOUSLY—BOUNDARIES, PEOPLE! FOSTER’S AMAZING—AND OBVIOUSLY WORKING WITH ME MAKES HER EVEN MORE AMAZING. BUT YOU GUYS NEED TO STOP WITH ALL OF YOUR WEIRDO SPECULATING.]
ONE PART OF A TRIANGLE:
[OKAY, THAT’S IT. I’M DEEEEEEEEEEFINITELY DITCHING THIS PENDANT THING. WHY IS THE COUNCIL PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS STUFF???????????]
[ACTUALLY, YOU KNOW WHAT? IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, BUT I’M GOING TO ADD ONE THING: FOSTER GETS TO DO WHATEVER SHE WANTS, OKAY? SHE CAN LIKE WHOEVER SHE WANTS. OR BE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT SHE’S FEELING. SHE CAN EVEN BE OBLIVIOUS—IT’S HER LIFE. HER CHOICE. AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO STAY OUT OF IT.]
[EVEN ME.]
[ESPECIALLY ME. I WOULD NEVER WANT TO…]
[NEVER MIND. MY POINT IS, LET THE POOR GIRL FIGURE THIS OUT ON HER OWN. AND SERIOUSLY, STAY OUT OF OUR LIVES!!!!]
ULTIMATE BETRAYALS:
[OH GOODY—ANOTHER SECTION ON MOMMY DEAREST. WE GET IT. SHE’S CREEPY. I DIDN’T FIGURE IT OUT FAST ENOUGH, AND SHE USED ME FOR A WHILE. BUT THAT’S ALL DONE NOW, AND IT’S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I TAKE HER DOWN. LET’S MOVE ON, SHALL WE?]
A FOOLISHLY DANGEROUS PLAN:
[I SHOULD PROBABLY BE OFFENDED BY THAT TITLE. BUT… RUNNING OFF TO JOIN THE NEVERSEEN DEFINITELY WASN’T MY SMARTEST MOVE. I THOUGHT I COULD TAKE THEM DOWN FROM THE INSIDE. AND YEAH, IT PRETTY MUCH BACKFIRED.]
[I DID LEARN SOME STUFF, THOUGH!]
[SORT OF…]
[I’M STILL PIECING IT ALL TOGETHER. I MEAN, I WOULDN’T DO IT AGAIN OR RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE ELSE OR ANYTHING (HEAR THAT, BANGS BOY???), BUT IT WASN’T A TOTAL WASTE.]
[OKAY, MAYBE IT WAS.]
A WAY WITH ALICORNS:
[IT’S TRUE. GLITTER BUTT LOVES ME.]
[SAY IT WITH ME: KEEFE! KEEFE! KEEFE!]
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT STUFFED ANIMAL:
[YOU GUYS MADE AN OFFICIAL RECORD ABOUT MRS. STINKBOTTOM???? I CAN’T DECIDE IF THAT’S AWESOME, OR REALLY, REALLY SAD.…]
[SAD FOR YOU GUYS—NOT ME. SLEEPING WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL IS THE BEST. YOU SHOULD TRY IT SOMETIME!]
[ALSO: DOES THIS MEAN FITZY HAS A SECTION ON HIS SPARKLY RED DRAGON SNUGGLE BUDDY????????]
A MERCADIR—WITH THE SCARS TO PROVE IT:
[EESH—THANK GOODNESS I CAN REDACT THIS. I REALLY DON’T NEED ANYONE REMINDING FOSTER HOW MAD SHE WAS AT ME. THE POINT IS: I BEAT THE OGRE KING IN A SPARRING MATCH. I DOUBT EVEN GIGANTOR COULD DO THAT!]
FINAL NOTE:
[WHY IS THERE NOT A SECTION ON MY AMAZING HAIR????]
[HERE, LET ME FIX THAT FOR YOU!]
[IT’S DIFFICULT TO DESCRIBE THE ABSOLUTE PERFECTION OF KEEFE’S TRADEMARK HAIRSTYLE. COUNTLESS OTHERS HAVE TRIED TO EMULATE IT, BUT THEY’VE ALL FAILED. THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE LORD HUNKYHAIR. IT’S A RESPONSIBILITY THAT MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY!]
[HUNKYHAIR → OUT]
[AND NOW, THE ULTIMATE PROOF OF MY AWESOMENESS!]
[I BET NO ONE ELSE HAS A DETENTION RECORD THIS MASSIVE!]
[I WANTED TO CHECK OTHER FILES TO PROVE IT, BUT (NAME REDACTED) WON'T LET ME. HE'S PROBABLY JUST MAD THAT MY RECORD IS COOLER THAN HIS!]
Foxfire Academy Disciplinary Record
PRODIGY:
Keefe Sencen
PARENTS:
Lord Cassius Sencen (father)
Lady Gisela Sencen (mother)
SEND CORRESPONDENCE TO:
Candleshade
LEVEL ONE VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
Keefe skipped Level One.
LEVEL TWO VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DITCHING ELVIN HISTORY
According to a report from the gnomes, Keefe was found hiding near the Leapmaster during the morning session.
1 out of 10
Warning issued.
I let Keefe off with a warning because he’s never caused problems before. (He also did extraordinarily well on his midterms.) He’s a year younger than his peers, so occasional moments of immaturity are natural—but I gave him a lecture on setting a positive example and he looked inspired when he returned to his session.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DITCHING THE UNIVERSE
According to a report from the gnomes, Keefe was found napping near the main amphitheater during afternoon session.
2 out of 10
Note sent home.
Clearly the warning I gave Keefe yesterday wasn’t enough, so I sent a note to Candleshade to apprise his parents of the situation. Lord Cassius assured me he’d correct the problem.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DISRUPTING STUDY HALL
According to a report from Sir Bubu, Fitz Vacker began emitting gaseous noises and had to race to the bathroom. Keefe then took credit for slipping Gurgle Gut into Fitz’s lunch. Fitz didn’t seem upset. He claimed it was a prank (instead of a case of bullying). But the other prodigies were thoroughly distracted.
4 out of 10
One detention assigned.
Perhaps allowing Keefe to skip Level One was a mistake—though his Mentors claim he continues to excel in their sessions. Still, that doesn’t excuse disrespectful behavior! I reminded Keefe that he could end up expelled if he continues down this path—and asked Elwin to make tomorrow’s detention particularly unpleasant to serve as a wake-up call. Elwin said he’ll have the prodigies refill vials of pooka pus, which should make Keefe regret his recent life choices.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DISRUPTING DETENTION
According to a report from Elwin, today’s punishment resulted in what Keefe has termed, “The Great Pus-plosion!” It’s unclear how the vat of pooka pus erupted, but Keefe was definitely involved.
8 out of 10
Three additional detentions
assigned.
Note sent home.
In hindsight, giving Keefe access to an abundant supply of pooka pus was a terrible idea! The cleanup took hours! (And my gown is ruined!) I spoke with Elwin, since three additional detentions doesn’t seem like enough—and I disagree with his assessment
that I should “find my sense of humor.” I sent a strongly worded letter to Keefe’s parents. And I’m making sure the next three detention Mentors choose punishments that don’t involve odorous substances!
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DISRUPTING DETENTION
According to a report from Sir Bubu, Keefe interrupted the day’s punishment (which involved a recitation of one of the more tedious Dwarven poems) by improvising a recitation of his own: a poem he called “The Saga of Sir Bubu.”
4 out of 10
A week of additional detentions assigned.
Note sent home.
I fear these antics are making detention seem “fun”—both to Keefe and to other prodigies. All afternoon, I’ve been hearing “The Saga of Sir Bubu” repeated through the halls—and while certain lines were admittedly amusing, this needs to stop! I let Keefe know I’m contemplating expulsion. And I’m meeting with a group of Mentors later to discuss new punishment strategies. Also sent an incredibly stern warning to Keefe’s parents, reminding them that having their son attend Foxfire is a privilege!
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DITCHING THE UNIVERSE
According to a report from the gnomes, Keefe was found tucked into a nook behind the gremlin statue in the Level One Atrium during his session.
3 out of 10
A week of detention assigned.
Note sent home.
There haven’t been any incidents for several weeks, so I’d thought my efforts had finally succeeded. But judging by the amount of Prattles littering the floor of Keefe’s hiding place, I suspect he goes there often. (Likely taking advantage of the fact that Sir Jarvin rarely pays attention to anything except the stars. I really should replace him as a Mentor. But he gives the loveliest compliments on my hair.…) Clearly I need to send a stronger message. So Keefe gets to sit through another week of detention—and I made much clearer threats to him, as well as in the letter I sent home to his parents.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
THE GREAT GULON INCIDENT
Dozens of reports have been gathered on this incident. But it’s still unclear exactly what happened.…
11 out of 10
NONE.
(For now!)
I know Keefe was behind this, no matter how many times he claims he had nothing to do with it! There has to be evidence somewhere (something like this would’ve taken weeks of planning!), and when I find it, he’s off to Exillium! But first… I need to get this smell out of my hair.…
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DITCHING PHYSICAL EDUCATION
According to a report from Sir Bubu, Keefe was found hiding in one of the detention rooms during session.
6 out of 10
One month of detention assigned.
Note sent home.
I still haven’t connected Keefe to the gulon incident (I refuse to call it “great”)—but if he likes the detention room so much, he can spend an entire month there! I also informed him and his parents that unless they can outline specific steps to correct this situation, I’m starting expulsion proceedings!
—Dame Alina
Update: Lady Gisela had quite a few unpleasant things to say about my note (and my leadership skills in general). It also appears that Lord Cassius could cause me a tremendous amount of headaches if I proceed with the expulsion. In light of that, I’ve decided to see if the problem can be remedied a different way. I’ll now be personally overseeing Keefe’s detentions, which will be held one-on-one in my office, and I have a strategy to hopefully get through to him. (Though I’ve also reduced the punishment to only two weeks—I have my limits!)
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
STORMING OUT OF DETENTION
For the official report: Keefe threw down his polishing cloth halfway through his punishment and stomped out of the room.
5 out of 10
One additional detention assigned.
I’m not sure what brought on today’s tantrum. I was explaining to Keefe why he should thank his parents for the fact that he’s still at Foxfire and he turned and stalked away. I followed him—and stayed by his side for his afternoon session and Study Hall (which he didn’t appreciate). I also let him know that he now had an additional detention to serve—and I actually saw his smirk fade! Hopefully he’s realizing that he’s only hurting himself with all of this misbehavior.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DISRESPECT FOR ACADEMY PROPERTY. BREAKING AND ENTERING.
For the official report: Somehow Keefe got into the principal’s office and ruined all of the polishing he did during detention.
8 out of 10
One detention assigned.
Keefe has been so cooperative lately that I foolishly let down my guard. I have no idea how he got into my office (the locks are being changed as I write this!)—and I don’t want to know what he smeared on my mirrors. But the gnomes were kind enough to handle the cleanup—and I would’ve given Keefe a harsher punishment if the school year wasn’t over. (FINALLY!) Hopefully he will return to Foxfire ready to take his education seriously.
—Dame Alina
LEVEL THREE VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DITCHING ELVIN HISTORY
According to a report from the gnomes, Keefe was found hiding in the Level Four wing during afternoon session.
3 out of 10
Warning issued.
It’s the first day of sessions and Keefe is already causing trouble—and he can argue that his photographic memory should exempt him from “boring lectures that repeat what’s in the textbook” all he wants! Elvin History is a vital session, and I would’ve given him a week of detention if I could, but none of the Mentors are prepared to be supervising punishments yet. So, I let Keefe off with a warning (reminding him about expulsion!). I’m sure he’ll give everyone plenty of reasons to assign detention soon. This is going to be a very long year.…
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DISRESPECT FOR ACADEMY PROPERTY
According to a report from Lady Galvin, Keefe took it upon himself to turn his alchemy table into solid silver.
5 out of 10
One week of detention assigned.
Apparently Lady Galvin asked Keefe to impress her, and this is what happened. Clearly this is not what she meant. Though, I suppose it is rather impressive—not that I would give Keefe the satisfaction of knowing that!
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DITCHING PHYSICAL EDUCATION
According to a report from the gnomes, Keefe was found hiding in his PE locker during session.
3 out of 10
One week of detention assigned.
It’s highly likely that Keefe has used this hiding place before, since his absence could easily be overlooked in the chaos of the group session. Clearly procedures need to be implemented to ensure this behavior is prevented.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DISRUPTION OF FOXFIRE TRADITIONS
Repo
rts are vague, since supervision is always light while the Mentors are delivering grades. But the Level Three midterms party got completely out of hand—and all stories contain the name “Keefe Sencen.”
7 out of 10
One week of detention assigned
(to be served after the midterm break).
Face-to-face discussion with both parents.
I can’t decide which was worse: having to deal with Lord and Lady Sencen, or hearing Keefe say, “What happens at the Level Three midterms party stays at the Level Three midterms party!” over and over. Actually, no… the Sencens are worse. In fact, I think they’re the reason Keefe is causing me so many headaches. I suspect he’s trying to frustrate them. But if I’m right, I’m not sure what to do. For now, I’m going home, eating a giant slice of mallowmelt, and using the midterm break to research alternate careers.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DISRUPTION OF ORIENTATION
According to a report from Lady Galvin, Keefe was seen shaking Scritchy-Scratch onto Fitz Vacker’s cape, causing Fitz to do “a funny wiggle dance” in the middle of the morning announcements.
3 out of 10
One detention assigned.
I’m starting to think the trick to getting Keefe to behave is to minimize my reactions. So I’m going to hold off on sending any letters home and keep my punishments lighter (and ask his Mentors to do the same). We’ll see if that takes some of the “fun” out of this for him.
—Dame Alina
VIOLATION
SERIOUSNESS
SENTENCE
PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS
DITCHING MULTISPECIESIAL STUDIES
According to a report from Sir Leander, Keefe was caught sneaking back into session. (Sir Leander never saw him leave—and has no idea where Keefe was or how long he was gone for.)