The newest hallucinogen hitting the streets induced a state of conscious unconscious, letting one dive deep into one's own mental state. If one was seeking a high, one could float around indeterminably, time and external stimuli forgotten. 

If one was cogent enough, they could steer themselves toward whatever they wanted to find. 

Because of this, the substance was named Map, because it 'took you where you wanted to go'. 

If Melita wasn't appreciating the very tangible effects of the substance, she would have rolled her eyes. As it was, she felt her mind pitching, turning in the darkness with her own emotions and thoughts. She'd thought that she had wanted to drift aimlessly within memories and sensations both dreamed and lived, but it seemed like some part of her wanted something else.

There was no left or right, nor up or down, but she was moving through the darkness, reaching for an easier, simpler reality. 

And as the darkness changed into a more physical one, she stepped into a time long past, when she was a new Liviae, in the academy for instruction.

Back then, it was been a cramped space in Mrs Arias' closet, so dark that Melita couldn’t see her fingers before her. Aquila and Leon, her impromptu groupmates for the newest assignment, huddled close to her, the air thick with anticipation and excitement.

A soft breath, then the smallest light appeared, dim and wavering like a candle’s flame. Steadily it grew, becoming the shape of a fish that swam in the air between Aquila’s hands. Watching the fish swim, Melita wondered if Aquila’s purple locks would turn white if it got too close. 

Being able to control light was a power as nebulous of the concept of light itself, and she often didn't quite understand how the other girl did it. Though perhaps, Aquila would say that about her too.

“Why a koi?” Leon asked, holding out a finger as the fish swam by him, illuminating a small smile on his too serious face.

“Whether we win or lose, it’s not going to be done in bad taste.” Aquila replied defensively.

Melita rolled her eyes, opening the cupboard door and stepping out. The fish swam through the air as it glowed, giving them some light to see by as they quickly fanned out and checked through the documents. The assignment was optional, but when the mission entailed breaking into their teacher's room and the objective was stealing one of her favourite paperweights, Melita would be hard pressed to refuse.

By Mrs Arias' desk, Melita opened the top drawer, finding nothing but a surplus of stationary.

Suddenly, Leon signaled before ducking under the table, and Aquila stole back into the cupboard. The fish dissipated, throwing them all into the disorienting darkness. Not wanting to hide with Leon and increase their chances of getting found, Melita shifted to the center of her room.

Closing her eyes, Melita concentrated her magic, before throwing it over herself like a barrier, reflecting the room around her and making herself disappear. With her magic, there was no need to hide. Perhaps she should have done this from the start, teamwork be darned.

The creak of a door, and light flooded the room with the click of a switch. Mrs Arias stood in the doorway, blocking the exit like a sentinel. She was length paired with sharp edges, long dark hair framing high cheek bones, the length of her limbs making her look more lean than muscled. Her dark eyes always looked mild, but they watched everything with a kind of quiet consideration.

She strode into the room, running her hands across the desk by her door. A quick movement, and then Leon was cursing, emerging from the desk whilst rubbing his head. “How did you find me so fast?”

“I was the one who suggested this assignment to the class, so of course I’d be on guard.” Mrs Arias said softly, looking around the room. “The only question, is if you came alone.”

A very loaded pause. Melita held in a groan. Why did Leon have to be caught first? “Why would I work with anyone?”

“Are you saying you didn’t?” Mrs Arias finally turned towards him, settling her gaze. Leon gulped. “Go back to your dorm.”

Leon nodded, before heading out the door. At the very least, he didn’t linger to try and say goodbye.

Mrs Arias smiled, crossing the room without a single sound. Going to the cupboard, she opened it, before patting Aquila on the head. “You too.”

After Aquila left, she sighed, before walking toward her door. Instead of leaving, however, she stopped by her desk, reordering some of her things. Melita pursed her lips, wondering if she should try to sneak past her. If she didn't get caught, she could try again later. 

There was plenty of time before daybreak.

As she was contemplating her options, however, Mrs Arias pulled out the paperweight she’d bet this morning, turning it so it caught the light, before putting it back in the drawer and sitting down at her desk.

Melita had been searching that desk! Maybe if they had been faster, they could have had the paperweight and been out the room already. Still, now she knew exactly where it was. Melita remembered thinking that she would wait till Mrs Arias left the room, before taking it and heading back to the others.

So she’d waited.

And waited.

And Mrs Arias had stayed as the hours passed, writing at her desk. The sound of a pen scratching it’s nib across paper filled the air, a constant sound only occasionally broken up by the soft scrape of paper when she flipped a page.

A few times, Melita contemplated giving up and heading to the door, but having the prize so close and leaving was almost physically impossible. Now that she’d seen it and she knew where it was, she couldn’t just give up. Mrs Arias would have to take a break at some point.

And so Melita kept staring at Mrs Arias as time slowly lost it’s meaning. Her muscles started aching and she couldn’t help but sway back and forth with how tired she was, but that was fine. As long as the illusion held up, Mrs Arias wouldn’t see it. She had to get up anytime now.

So Melita kept on waiting.

When her eyelids started to close and she wasn’t swaying as much as joltingly keeping herself upright, Melita thought she saw Mrs Arias get up. She smiled then, taking a wobbly step forward.

But then Mrs Arias was right in front of her and a warm hand was patting her head. When had her illusion stopped working? “That’s enough now. Go take a break.” Mrs Arias’ voice had been soft and gentle, the idea of a rest already bringing traitorous relief to Melita’s weary body.

“I’m so close.” Melita muttered, stretching a hand towards the desk blearily, and she thought she heard a chuckle.

“Yes, you really waited the whole night.” The words made Melita realise the light filtering in from the windows. Was it already dawn? The deadline had passed? What a shame. She just needed a little more time... She’d have got it if the time limit was just a little longer.

At the feeling of strong arms carrying her in an embrace, Melita’s eyes could stay open no longer.

Fine.

If this was how she lost, she’d take the defeat. Just this once.