Chapter 13

It had taken Koa a week to pin down the surprisingly evasive Mr. Badger. However, Koa had finally managed it and now sat across from the principal in disbelief. Koa had noticed the moment he stepped into the office the book was missing from its original location. Immediately he had a bad feeling, which Mr. Badger confirmed. Koa pinched the bridge of his nose before speaking again.

"What do you mean you don't have it anymore?"

"I gave it to The Monarch Township Theatre." Mr. Badger replied to Koa in an apologetic tone meant for students he felt a little sorry for. This only pissed Koa off.

"Get it back!" Koa fired back, his anger rising.

"Well, I can't do that. I mean, I gave it to them. I can't really just ask for it back" Mr. Badger appeared to be surprised by Koa's unexpected outburst.

"I cannot accept that reasoning. I will pay you for the trouble. " I refuse to remain in this dirty world any longer, Koa thought to himself.

"Koa, I am sorry. I wish I could help you. Perhaps you could request to purchase the book from the theatre? Here..." Mr. Badger wrote a number on a notepad, pulled off the top page and handed it to Koa. "You can contact them in the evenings or during the first have a production. I believe they have a play this weekend."

Koa took the paper and stood up. Before leaving the room, he mumbled a simple "Thank you for your time."

Koa left the office trying to think of a quick solution. It would likely be best to try and purchase the book from the theatre, though that could take more time. Honestly, Koa did not have the luxury of time. Not with the situation as it was in Aisling. He could attempt to procure the book in person. The principal mentioned going to the production and discussing the matter in person. That wasn't a bad idea. Koa would have Adamend find a way into the theatre.

Then there was the question of the missing stone. Alex was particularly attached to the necklace. Koa had learned that earlier in the week when he offered to buy it from her. Simply taking it from her was also proving to be rather difficult. Koa felt a shudder run through his body as he recalled every attempt thus far to acquire the object. He wasn't sure if that girl was cursed or blessed, but chaos followed her everywhere. It was almost scary how much damage that one person could cause.

A smile crept on Koa's lips. That's right, Alex has caused him problems. One might even argue she owned him for all the damage she had caused. And perhaps Koa could just utilize her ability to cause such damage. He began to form a plan that would get him both the book and the stone.