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Chapter 3 - Episode :3 The Birthmark &Fire

Episode 3: The First Class at Eclipse Academy

A Familiar Face, An Unknown Identity

Tara stands at the doorway, stunned. The girl sitting at the table looks just like Lily!

Tara (shocked): "Who... are you?"

Girl (without looking up): "Me? I'm Jisa. And who are you?"

Tara (confused): "… Jisa?"

Jisa finally looks up, a slight frown on her face.

Jisa (annoyed): "Why are you in our room? We don't need a new roommate!"

Tara glances around, confused. She sees the table next to the bed is cluttered with books, papers, and a few personal items. It looks like Jisa's side of the room is a bit chaotic.

Tara (hesitant): "I'm supposed to stay here. Nadia said—"

Before Tara can finish, Nadia steps in, arms crossed.

Nadia: "Mr. Rayan said she'll stay with me."

Jisa raises an eyebrow but shrugs, going back to her game. Tara hesitates, then steps inside, thinking—if someone looks like her, maybe someone like Lily can exist here too. No need to overthink it.

Tara glances around and notices a girl sprawled out on a messy bed, still playing a game on her phone.

Nadia (disapprovingly): "That's Rose."

Rose doesn't acknowledge them, just glances up for a second before returning to her screen.

Nadia: "Go to sleep. Class starts at 7 AM sharp."

Tara sighs. She has no idea what awaits her tomorrow, but at least she'll start learning more about this place.

The Morning Confusion

The next morning, Tara gets lost trying to find her classroom. The academy is massive, its hallways stretching endlessly, decorated in an elegant black-and-white theme. Through the tall windows, she can see mountains and a strange sky.

Suddenly, a voice from behind—

Jisa (grinning): "You're lost, aren't you?"

Tara turns, surprised to see her roommate standing there.

Tara (awkwardly): "Uh… yeah, kind of."

Jisa: "Come on, I'll show you."

Jisa casually leads her through the corridors until they reach the classroom. Inside, Tara spots Nadia waving at her.

Nadia: "Tara! Sit here!"

Tara takes the seat beside her, just as the door swings open and a stern-looking woman walks in. Her presence commands immediate silence.

Nadia (whispers): "That's Miss Lipy. She's strict, so don't mess up."

Miss Lipy scans the room before speaking in a firm voice.

Miss Lipy: "I am Miss Lipy, and I will be teaching you how to control your powers. First, introduce yourselves."

One by one, the students introduce themselves. When it's Nadia's turn—

Miss Lipy (interrupting): "I already know who you are. Next."

Nadia smirks, unbothered. Then comes Tara's turn.

Tara: "I'm Tara. I… don't know what my power is yet."

The class bursts into laughter. Miss Lipy's sharp gaze silences them.

Miss Lipy: "You have the ability to create weapons from fire, generated from a specific part of your body."

Tara stares at her hands, remembering her birthmark. Miss Lipy walks to the front and lights a metal container on fire.

Miss Lipy: "Expand the flames."

Tara tries using her eyes—nothing happens. She tries with her right hand—still nothing. Finally, she lifts her left hand, where her birthmark is, and suddenly the flames grow. Tara realizes—it's connected to her birthmark!

She then attempts to form a sword out of the fire. Concentrating hard, she struggles. That's when Jisa speaks up—

Jisa: "Think of your happiest and most painful moments… Feel the power."

Miss Lipy turns to Jisa.

Miss Lipy: "You seem to know a lot. Show us your power, then."

Jisa smirks. She raises her hands, and suddenly, wind swirls around her, sending a gust through the room. Everyone's hair flies as the air thickens around her, forming a small vortex!

Miss Lipy nods in approval. One by one, the other students showcase their powers, and finally, the class ends.

after class Tara was thinking about her powers. But she Couldn't concentrate cause she was thinking about her mother and Lily. She was worried about her mother. She thought she has to find a way to contact to her mother. She didn't think leaving this world cause she was feeling connected but she didn't know why..

Tara's Training in the Yard

The next morning before class, Tara walks to the academy's backyard, hoping to practice her powers in private. The yard is peaceful, with tall grass and a few scattered trees. Tara stands alone, looking at her hands, trying to remember the advice Jisa had given her.

She closes her eyes and thinks back to her memories with Lily. The happiness of their friendship, the quiet moments, and the moments of pain—when Lily had to leave. Tara inhales deeply and focuses on her birthmark. As she concentrates, she feels warmth spread through her hand.

She slowly opens her eyes and, to her surprise, a flickering sword of fire appears in her hand, glowing brightly. It's not perfect, but it's there. For a moment, Tara smiles, feeling a wave of happiness—.

Suddenly, Tara hears footsteps behind her. She quickly extinguishes the flames and turns around to find Principal Z watching her.

Principal Z (calmly): "You've got potential, Tara. But you need to control your emotions."

Tara lowers her gaze, feeling embarrassed.

Tara: "I'm trying, but… it's hard."

Principal Z's gaze softens slightly.

Principal Z: "Keep practicing. We all struggle at first. You'll get there."

Tara nods, feeling a bit better.

But before she can continue, Nadia approaches, eyeing Tara suspiciously.

Nadia: "You still don't know your power well, but you're already making fire swords?"

Tara looks at her, surprised by the question.

Tara: "I… I don't know how, but I made it."

Nadia crosses her arms, looking thoughtful.

Nadia: "You don't even know your power yet… so how did you make it? How did you get here?"

Tara freezes, the question hanging in the air.

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