A Crack in the Clock: Three Girls, Three Watches, and the Adventure of a Lifetime

© 2013 by Brittany Harris and Morgan Pairo. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/18/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-0522-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-0523-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013900288

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

YOAKE! came Kyoki’s cheerful voice, rousing the other from her sleep.

Mmm. Yoake moaned, turning over.

Come on, Yoake, it’s time to get up.

I don’t care.

You have to get up, or else you’ll be late for your first day.

Yoake looked maliciously at the purple-haired third year who stood over her with a big grin on her face. Fine. The second year transfer groaned getting out of bed. Her legs felt heavy and her head was reeling.

So, were you having a good dream? Kyoki asked as Yoake got dressed.

No.

Really? You were whispering in your sleep.

Huh? Yoake looked at her senpai confusedly from under her shirt. I’ve never heard that before.

Oh . . . well you were saying some really weird stuff . . . and people call me crazy. Kyoki said, smiling. Anyway, Hana is waiting for us, so you need to hurry up!

I’m coming, I’m coming. Yoake said. Go tell her that I’m still changing and I’m almost done. Okay?

Right. With that, Kyoki bounded out of the room.

"She’s insane. Yoake sighed as she continued pulling on her uniform. When she finally finished, she noticed something on her pillow. It was a pocket watch, golden in color, but obviously not made of gold. Instead, it was a darker, steam age, rustic gold. The cover was detailed with waves around the edge that had rungs stretching out from the center with little outward-pointed spades in between each of them. As a finishing touch, someone had placed a golden chain through the top, almost like the string of a necklace. What is this? She said as she picked it up and examined it. On the back was the word ‘Aurora’ surrounded by what looked like streams of light. That’s weird, is there an Aurora at this school? I’d better tell her she lost her watch." With that, she put the little watch around her neck, grabbed her school bag, and headed out.

Outside the girls’ dorm, Hana and Kyoki were waiting for her. There you are. Hana said, rolling her eyes.

Yeah sorry, I slept in. Yoake apologized, scratching the back of her head in embarrassment.

Cool watch. Kyoki commented.

Oh, it’s not mine. There’s a name on the back so I’m going to give it back to its owner. She flipped it over and showed it to them.

‘Aurora?’ Hana wondered.

Pretty. Kyoki said.

There’s no Aurora here.

Are you sure? Yoake asked.

Positive.

Well it has to belong to someone, so I’ll just put it in the lost and found.

Fine. Now come on, we don’t want to be late.

Right. With that the three of them headed to class. But Yoake couldn’t forget about the watch. The name on the back obviously meant something, but she couldn’t figure out what.

As the girls walked on, Kyoki suddenly stopped. Do you guys feel something weird? she asked.

No, Hana answered, What do you mean?

Nothing, I guess. It just felt like someone was watching us . . .

It’s just your imagination. Hana said, grabbing Kyoki’s arm and dragging her off, Damn it! Between Yoake getting up late and you stopping for every chilly feeling, we’ll never get to school. Now let’s GO! As Kyoki was dragged off, she took one last look behind her but saw nothing except a few old trash cans and an alley.

Just as the girls rounded the corner at the end of the block, a boy who looked about seventeen let out a deep sigh of relief. Holy crap, he said to himself, They almost saw me. If I get caught now, he’ll have my head. He stood up quickly, attempted to smooth out his scruffy black hair, and dusted off his uniform.

I better get going, he muttered, If I’m late . . . He shuddered; he really didn’t want to think about that scenario, and walked to school.

Ding, ding, ding went the school bell as Yoake walked into the classroom. Thank goodness. I made it on time. she sighed.

I assume you are our new student. the teacher said from behind the desk at the front of the room.

Huh? Uh yes. Yoake blushed, looking over at her teacher. He was young, not much more than 25, with blond hair pulled into a low ponytail that hung halfway down his back. Two black eyes stared at her with intrigue from behind clear, thin-framed glasses.

Well, are you going to take your seat or just stand there staring?

Oh yes, sorry, sir.

Don’t apologize, just go sit down. he scoffed as Yoake sat in the only empty desk at the very front of the class.

Well that was uncomfortable. she thought.

Alright class, quiet down so I can take attendance, he called, then immediatly began listing the names of each student in the class to be answered with a call of ‘here’, ‘present’, or just a silent raised hand. Yoake Hikari.

Here. Yoake answered.

Yami Kurai.

Silence. Yami Kurai. Again there was no answer. Why that little . . . Yoake heard him hiss under his breath. Alright, that’s every—

Sorry I’m late. said a shaggy-haired boy—who Yoake assumed was Yami—as he walked in.

It’s about time. the teacher said. Unfortunately, there are no more desks for you to sit in, so you’ll have to stand for today.

Yes, sir. the boy said sadly as he moved to stand against the back wall, the teacher watching him the whole time, clearly annoyed.

Alright, now that we have everyone, let me introduce myself. the teacher announced. My name is Mr. Satoru, and I am your new teacher. The rest of class proceeded normally but Yoake couldn’t shake the strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something about Yami seemed off. Sure lots of students came late and teachers often got annoyed with them, but something about the way he had looked at Mr. Satoru with a combination of apologetic sadness and outright fear concerned her. Students shouldn’t be afraid of their teachers and on top of that Mr. Satoru was new, what could he have possibly done to warrant fear? Yoake shook her head; she had to be imagining things.

No, Miss Hikari? Mr. Satoru said, making the girl jump. The whole class was staring at her and she could feel heat rising in her cheeks.

If you think I’m wrong, Mr. Satoru continued, feel free to come up here and correct me. He pointed to the board where he had been explaining the principles of factoring to the class.

No I—uh-um-I’m sorry, sir, Yoake said, hanging her head. Mr. Satoru simply grunted and turned back to the board.

Kindly refrain from daydreaming in my class, Miss Hikari. Yoake nodded and spent the remainder of class trying her best to pay attention.

Fifteen minutes later the lunch bell rang, Yoake nearly jumping out of her seat in her haste to get to the cafeteria. Just as she left the room, she heard Mr. Satoru call Yami to his desk, but left too fast to hear anything else.

Once she reached the lunch room, Yoake quickly found Kyoki and Hana and sat down, pulling out her lunch.

So how was class? Hana asked, biting into her sandwich.

Fine I guess, Yoake answered, the new teacher is a bit scary though.

So you guys got the new one? Kyoki asked, I heard some second years say he’s really cute, is that true?

Yoake stared, confused, at her friend and shook her head. I don’t see it, she said, he seems kind of touchy. He got really ticked off at a student who came in late.

Who’s touchy? the sudden voice from behind nearly made Yoake jump. Quickly, she turned around, coming face to face with Mr. Satoru.

I do hope you won’t be daydreaming in my class anymore, Miss Hikari, he continued, staring down at her. Yoake shook her head furiously as Mr. Satoru simply chuckled, Have a nice lunch, girls. With that, he walked off.

Okay, Hana said. That’s creepy.

I know. Yoake nodded. I hope he doesn’t make a habit of sneaking up on people.

That would give you a heart attack. Kyoki giggled at an annoyed Yoake.

After school, Yoake strode back to the dorm alone. She had fallen asleep during her afternoon class so had to stay behind for detention. As she walked, she swore she could feel someone behind her, but every time she turned around, no one was there. Frightened by her own paranoia, she ducked into a nearby alley to sit down, take a few deep breaths, and calm herself.

Suddenly, a voice sounded from above her. Finally, it hissed, I very well couldn’t do this in the middle of the street; all those other pathetic humans would only get in the way. Yoake looked up to see a humanoid creature jump down from the roof of the building she was leaning against, landing directly in front of her.

Who—? she started, but the pale, black eyed creature placed a hand on her cheek, slowly drawing his black claws down her jaw while she stared back at him, wide eyed.

Shh . . . he said, I just came to get something from you. His hand trailed down her neck, to her shoulders, and still lower.

Yoake suddenly screamed, punching him and jumping away. Don’t touch me! she yelled. The midnight haired creature just giggled, barely phased by the blow to his cheek. Just then Yoake noticed the tail swishing back and forth behind him. Who are you?! she screamed, What do you want?

The monster laughed, slowly walking toward her. Me? he asked, my name is irrelevant but if you must call me something, the name ‘Yeldi’ works. As for your second inquiry, it’s not what I want, it’s what my master wants, namely that lovely pocket watch you’ve got on your neck. Suddenly, he lashed out, reaching for Yoake’s neck. She screamed and tried to duck but the wall behind her prevented it. Yeldi’s fingers wrapped around the watch and he pulled, trying to break the chain.

No! Yoake yelled, pulling the watch back toward her, I won’t let you have it! Just then, a light burst from the watch as it fell open, all colors of the rainbow pouring from the little piece. What the—? Yoake said as the colors began to wrap around her. Yeldi jumped back, away from the light, trying to shield his eyes as Yoake rose into the air, the colors swirling and surrounding her. She saw the light melt with her skin, hair, clothes, her whole body. Suddenly, her uniform skirt puffed outward, layers of colored lace appearing from nowhere, and shortened. Her top did the same, plate armor forming on the shoulders and sides. Gloves appeared on her hands, white like the glowing light around her, with small jewels circling the wrists. Her hair grew longer, curls and waves forming as a jeweled circlet appeared on her forehead. On her feet, her school shoes grew into knee high dark purple boots. The watch melted into the plate armor on her chest, fusing with the metal and leaving only the clock face visible. As a finishing touch, a shining silver bow appeared in her hand along with a quiver full of bright arrows.

She came to the ground, a new fire burning in her eyes as she stared at Yeldi. I don’t know what you and your ‘master’ want with my watch, but I won’t let you have it! She pulled one of the arrows from her back, a bright yellow one, and strung her bow. Now get out of here. AURORA BEAM! The arrow flew straight at Yeldi, creating an enourmous explosion.

The humanoid easily jumped out of the way of the blast and landed on the roof he had jumped from, growling at Yoake, So you woke up, did you? Well, no matter, I’m still gonna take that watch from you! He charged at her, so fast she didn’t have time to draw another arrow. By instinct, she used the sharpened edge of the bow to block and swipe at him. Bringing her arm across the front of her body, she whipped it back and a blast of light shot out of the bow that hit him square in the chest, throwing him against the wall. He fell to the ground, panting, and looked up at her in fury. Alright. Now I’m really mad. Once again, he charged and, fast as lightening, he threw punch after kick after claw, but she was equally as fast, dodging, blocking, and countering his attacks.

This has gone on long enough. Yoake said, using her bow to push him back a couple meters. I think it’s time to end it. Drawing a blue arrow and stringing it she cried, AURORA TYPHOON! She shot the arrow and, as it travelled, it spun like a football before breaking up into a dozen other arrows of the same size that spiraled toward Yeldi.

He was able to jump out of the way just in time to avoid the barrage, but not without receiving a serious burn from one of the arrows as he barely dodged the attack. This isn’t over! Yeldi shouted from his landing point on the same roof he had jumped down from twice before, "You may have awoken but my master will have that watch!" With that, he turned and raced away, clutching his wounded arm.

Get back here! Yoake yelled, trying to run after him, but the power suddenly left her, the watch falling closed against her chest and her uniform returning to normal. The hell . . . ? she panted. Slowly, she stood, still panting, and made her way toward the dorm.

When she got back, she was immediately pounced on by Kyoki. Where ya been? she asked.

Uh . . . she tried to think of an answer, telling Kyoki straight out would make her sound insane. I took a new way back. I thought maybe it would be faster but it wasn’t.

Oh, okay. Kyoki smiled and let go of Yoake.

How was detention? asked Hana, who was on her bed reading.

It was detention.

Hmm, true.

Yoake sat down on her bed, holding the pocket watch up to inspect it. The thing seemed like a normal device but after what had just happened . . . She shook her head. This whole day was just too weird. Kicking off her shoes, Yoake lay down and stared at the ceiling.

So I’m guessing you didn’t find the owner of that watch? Hana said, not looking up from her book. Yoake shook her head.

Well then, Kyoki said, finders keepers. It’s nice; just hang on to it. I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be right back. With that, Kyoki grabbed her bag and walked down the hall. Yoake ignored her friend, and continued her staring contest with the ceiling. A yawn escaped her as she glanced at the time on her watch. It was already getting late. Slowly, she pushed herself off the bed and changed into her night clothes.

Good night, she called to Hana, who still hadn’t put her book down.

Night, Hana replied.

The next morning Yaoke woke up to the light shining on her eyes. Sitting up and stretching, she said, Man that was a weird dream.

Must’ve been. Hana said as she pushed off her covers. You were talking in your sleep again.

Yeah. Kyoki added. And you were tossing and turning and making the damnedest faces.

Oh sorry, did it keep you guys up? Yoake asked sheepishly.

Nah, we just went to bed later than you.

You should probably get some help to stop that. Hana suggested. Now hurry up and get dressed so we aren’t late again.

Okay, okay. I’m coming. Yoake said as she got out of her bed. ‘It really must have been just a dream. Huh, so there’s no watch or Yeldi, or powers.’ But as she thought, she looked down at her bedside table and saw the little watch. ‘Or not.’

Just then, Yoake turned as Kyoki yelped happily, Look what I found! she said, holding up a pocket watch. It was the same size as Yoake’s, but it was black instead of gold. There was no necklace chain, just one designed to hold the watch onto a belt loop or pant waist. The front panel was cut out in bits, trapezoid-like holes over each of the twelve Roman numerals and one large one in the center so the gears were visible. On the back was another large, glass filled hole and around that was a swirling pattern, almost like spirits traveling around the circular surface. Finally instead of ‘aurora,’ the word ‘Faust’ was carved into the back in jagged, strange letters.

Cool, Kyoki said as she read it, I love that story. I’m totally keeping this; screw the original owner.

Hana rolled her eyes at Kyoki’s overly excited state and proceeded to pack her bag. If I wasn’t here, she said with a sigh, I don’t think you two would ever make it to school.

Yoake giggled. You’re probably right.

Morning lessons quickly came and went and soon Yoake found herself gathering her books and heading out of the classroom. However before she could leave, she heard Mr. Satoru’s velvety voice say, That’s an interesting necklace you’ve got there.

Yoake froze in her tracks and, turning around reluctantly with a forced smile, said, Oh thank you, sir.

Where did you get it? he asked as he sipped his coffee.

‘What does he want now?’ Yoake thought but continued to smile and answered, Oh it was a gift.

Who from?

Uh . . . my mom, for my birthday.

May I see it?

I’d rather you didn’t. See it’s really special to me and I don’t like letting other people handle it, cause they might handle it wrong or too rough and break it, and I have to get to lunch so—

I understand. I will see you after lunch, Miss Hikari.

Yes, sir. Uh good bye. With that Yoake hurried out of the classroom as fast as she could, with Mr. Satoru watching her every step.

Finally she was able to sit down beside Kyoki and Hana at the lunch table. Where’ve you been? Kyoki asked.

Mr Satoru stopped me and asked about my watch. Yoake answered.

What did he want? Hana asked, suspicious.

Oh nothing. He just asked where I got it and what not. Yoake said. But I told him that I got it from my mom.

You lied?

Well if I had told him that I found it on my pillow yesterday morning he might have thought I stole it from someone.

Hmm, good point.

I think you have a crush on your teacher. Kyoki teased.

I do not! Yoake shouted, her cheeks turning bright red.

So why are you blushing?

Well, because he creeps me out! Why would I have a crush on a total creep?

Okay, whatever you say, Juliet.

Kyo—

Would you two knock it off. Hana interrupted.

She started it. Yoake murmured.

Well I’m finishing it.

Kyoki huffed in disappointment. Party pooper.

Yoake sighed in relief as she took out her lunch. Before she started eating, something caught her eye. Across the cafeteria, she could see Yami sitting alone. I’ll be right back, she said, standing. She walked over to where the boy was seated and sat down.

Hi, she greeted cheerfully causing Yami to nearly jump out of his seat. My name’s Yoake Hikari. I’m in your class with Mr. Satoru.

Uh-h-hi, I’m Yami Kurai. he said, looking down. He seemed nervous about having Yoake near him and his eyes kept glancing form side to side as if he was looking for someone.

Why are you here all alone? Yoake asked.

Yami shrugged. I just don’t want to disturb anyone. he said quietly.

Yoake shook her head and grabbed his hand. Sitting alone just won’t do, she laughed, come on. You can sit with me and my friends.

Yami blinked, clearly confused. I uh . . . okay. he stammered and grabbed his food, following Yoake back to her seat. Guys, Yoake said as soon as they made it back, This is Yami; he’s in Mr. Satoru’s class with me. Kyoki and Hana waved cheerfully to Yami who sat down, albeit nervously.

Hi. Kyoki greeted.

Uh, hi.

Yami, these are my friends. Yoake introduced. The crazy looking one is Kyoki— Kyoki stuck her tounge out at Yoake for calling her crazy, and the calm one is Hana.

Th-those are nice names. Yami said nervously.

Thanks. Kyoki said. Yours isn’t too bad either.

Th-thank you.

Why are you so nervous? Yoake giggled.

Uh . . . I’m not that good at talking to girls.

It’s okay, you’re with friends here.

Huh? Yami looked at Yoake who had a big smile on her face and a strange twinkle in her eye that he had never seen before. Looking across the table he saw that, although they didn’t have the same smiles as Yoake, Hana’s and Kyoki’s eyes were filled with the same sparkle as their friend. Th-thanks, you guys. That makes me feel a little better.

Glad to help, Yoake said. You can sit with us from now on if you want.

Yami looked up at her and a smile slowly crossed his face. I’d like that.

The rest of lunch proceeded without any major incidents and after a quick farewell to Hana and Kyoki, Yoake and Yami walked back to class. As soon as they walked through the door, Yami froze. Yoake turned to see what was wrong and out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Mr. Satoru staring at Yami. However, when she turned to face her teacher, he was looking at his desk, grading the quizzes they had taken before lunch. She shrugged, pulled Yami to his desk, and sat down.

That night, the girls sat in their dorm, doing homework and talking. Suddenly, Kyoki threw her textbook across the room, This is impossible! she yelled, glaring daggers at the discarded calculus book.

What’s wrong now? Hana asked, only half listening to her frustrated friend.

That nonsense is impossible! Kyoki answered, I don’t know how that jerk of a teacher expects us to do it when he spends half of class talking about his grandchildren! Hana rolled her eyes as Kyoki continued to rant about the evils of all mathematics, Yoake looking up from her reading assignment just in time to deflect a pencil aimed at her head.

Hey! she yelped, Watch where you throw things! Kyoki turned and immediately apologized. Soon they were done with their assignments, or in the case of Kyoki, done cursing them to the lowest circles of hell, and went to sleep.

Hana, as usual, was the first to wake up the next morning. Rolling over, she stretched and felt her hand knock against something. Quickly, she leaned over and looked over the side of her bed to see where whatever it was had landed. To her utter surprise, a bronze pocket watch stared back at her. Slowly, she picked it up and inspected it. The metal had a dull shine to it, the front cover was cut with circular flower-like designs, leaving the numbers visible through the metal. Curious, she flipped it over and searched it, half expecting to find a word carved into it. Soon she found it, the word Roseus carved onto the back in a very floral print. Well, I’ll be damned . . . she muttered, pulling the bronze necklace chain over her head.

Just then, Kyoki stirred and rolled over. Morning, she said, rubbing her eyes.

Morning, Hana answered. Suddenly, Kyoki ran over to Hana’s bed, nearly tripping as he foot got caught in her own sheets.

She fell to the ground with a loud thump that instantly woke Yoake. What’s going on? she asked.

Nothing . . . Kyoki answered, rubbing the side of her head, but . . . she turned to stare at Hana again, Miss Grumpy-gills over here just found her own mystery watch!

Yoake immediately jumped out of bed and dashed over to Hana, Kyoki right behind her. Hana tried to scoot away from the two with little success.

"So yours says Roseus." Kyoki said, pulling that watch up and flipping it.

Yes, now let go! You’re hurting my neck! Hana yelped, trying to adjust the chain so she could breathe.

I think it’s pretty Yoake said, looking over Kyoki’s shoulder.

Yeah I guess so, Kyoki said, dropping the watch, but mine is so much more badass! She held up her own pocket watch proudly.

Hana sighed Next thing you know, the whole school is going to have pocket watches. Come on, we better get to class.

The day started normally, but Mr. Satoru didn’t say anything to her. When the bell for lunch rang, Yoake gathered her things and waited for Yami but he was caught by Mr. Satoru. It’s good that you’re making friends. he said.

Yes, sir. Thank you. Yami said nervously, as if waiting to be reprimanded.

I hope these new companions won’t stop you from completing your . . . other duties.

Yami shook his head furiously, No, sir, of course not.

Good. Now go on, there’s someone waiting for you.

The two looked out to the hallway where Yoake was waiting. She saw them looking and waved, to receive a sheepish wave back from Yami. Mr. Satoru smiled at her and nudged Yami toward the door, Have a nice lunch, children, he said as the door closed behind them.

As they walked to the lunch room, Yoake couldn’t help thinking about what she had overheard. What did Mr. Satoru mean ‘other duties?’ Was Yami behind on homework? No, that couldn’t be it, they had only begun their friendship yesterday. Maybe Yami had some kind of part time job and Mr. Satoru didn’t want him getting fired. Well, Yoake thought, I guess it’s nice that Mr. Satoru is looking out for him.

So I saw Mr. Satoru talking to you. Yoake said, making Yami cringe. I think it’s great that he’s looking out for you.

Huh? Uh . . . yeah. Yami responded holding his books closer to his chest. Yoake laughed at his nervousness, confusing him. What did I say?

Oh . . . nothing. Yoake giggled. "I just think it’s funny that we’re the same