Starting Off.
Agatha Harkness and Rio Vidal
Agatha Harkness sat at her usual spot in the back of the library, a sanctuary from the chaos of high school life. The dim lighting and the scent of old books provided a comforting silence that she desperately needed. She flipped through the pages of a dusty tome on ancient myths, her mind far from the whispers and stares of her peers.
The sound of soft footsteps interrupted her solitude. She glanced up, her sharp eyes narrowing as she spotted a girl with long, dark hair and a mysterious aura, meandering through the rows of books. The girl moved with a quiet confidence, her fingers trailing along the spines of the books, as if she were searching for something specific.
Agatha raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. Most students didn’t dare venture to this corner of the library—it was her territory. She watched as the girl finally selected a book, a thick volume with a cracked leather cover, and settled into a chair a few tables away.
Curiosity piqued, Agatha decided to break her usual rule of silence. "Didn’t know anyone else was into old, dusty books."
The girl looked up, her dark eyes meeting Agatha’s with an unsettling intensity. A small, mischievous smile played on her lips. "They’re full of secrets," she said, her voice soft but carrying an edge. "I like secrets."
Agatha’s lips curled into a smirk. "Secrets, huh? You new here?"
"Rio," the girl introduced herself, leaning back in her chair. "Just transferred."
"Agatha," she replied, her curiosity deepening. "What brings you to this charming institution?"
Rio’s smile widened, but there was something dark in her eyes. "My parents thought a change of scenery would be good for me."
Agatha could sense there was more to the story, but she didn’t press. Instead, she gestured to the book Rio had chosen. "What’s that one about?"
Rio glanced down at the book, her fingers tracing the worn cover. "It’s about ancient rituals. Fascinating stuff."
Agatha’s interest was fully captured. "You into that kind of thing?"
Rio nodded, her expression unreadable. "You could say that."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, each absorbed in their respective books. As the minutes turned into an hour, Agatha found herself sneaking glances at Rio, intrigued by the calm, almost eerie presence she exuded. She was used to pushing people away with her sharp tongue and biting sarcasm, but Rio didn’t seem fazed. If anything, she seemed drawn to Agatha’s edge.
Eventually, Rio broke the silence. "You always sit here alone?"
Agatha shrugged, closing her book. "It’s quieter that way. People tend to be... exhausting."
Rio chuckled softly. "I can relate."
For the first time in a long while, Agatha felt a spark of connection. "You know, you’re not as annoying as most people."
Rio’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "well thankyou!"
Agatha smirked, leaning back in her chair. "So, what do you do for fun, Rio?"
Rio’s smile turned sly. "You really want to know?"
Agatha nodded, intrigued. "Sure."
"I have a thing for exploring... unusual places," Rio said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Abandoned buildings, old cemeteries, you name it."
Agatha’s eyes lit up. "Sounds like my kind of fun."
Rio leaned forward slightly, her gaze locking onto Agatha’s. "Maybe we should check one out together sometime."
Agatha felt a rare grin spread across her face. "Deal."
After that, they began spending more time together, their outings became a regular escape, for Agatha, Rio was a breath of fresh air—someone who didn’t judge her, didn’t try to fix her.
One evening, they wandered through an overgrown graveyard, and Agatha said "You ever feel like you’re just, like, different from everyone else? Inherently?"
Rio nodded, her expression thoughtful. "All the time. But I think that’s a good thing."
Agatha looked at her, a genuine smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. Maybe it is."
A few weeks later, Agatha and Rio found themselves standing in front of an old, crumbling mansion on the outskirts of town. The moon hung low in the sky, casting eerie shadows across the overgrown lawn.
"You sure about this?" Agatha asked, her voice laced with excitement and a hint of trepidation.
Rio grinned, her eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "Absolutely. Let’s go."
They made their way inside, the wooden floorboards creaking beneath their feet. The air was thick with dust and the scent of decay, but neither of them seemed to mind. They explored room after room, each more dilapidated than the last, until they reached what appeared to be a grand ballroom.
Rio turned to Agatha, her expression softening. "This place is incredible."
Agatha nodded, her eyes scanning the faded grandeur around them. "Yeah, it is."
There was a pause, a moment of quiet where the only sound was the distant hoot of an owl. Rio stepped closer to Agatha, her usual mischievous demeanor replaced with something more earnest.
"Agatha," she began, her voice softer than usual, "I’ve been wanting to tell you something."
Agatha turned to face her, her heart pounding in her chest. "What is it?"
Rio hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I like you. More than just as a friend."
Agatha’s eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her face. But then a slow, genuine smile spread across her lips. "I like you too."
Rio let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, a relieved smile breaking across her face. "Good. Because I wasn’t sure how you’d react."
Agatha chuckled softly. "You should know by now I’m not exactly predictable."
Rio laughed, the sound echoing softly in the empty ballroom. "True. So, what now?"
Agatha stepped closer, her gaze locking onto Rio’s. "Now, we make this place our own secret hideout. Just you and me."
Rio’s smile widened. "I’d like that."
Jennifer Kale joins the group
Jennifer Kale had always stood out, and it didn’t help that she carried herself with a confidence that dared anyone to challenge her.
One afternoon, she found herself in the school library, flipping through a random book she had picked up, it seemed interesting enough, but she couldn’t seem to focus.
"Didn’t think someone like you would be caught dead in here," Agatha Harkness remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Jen looked up, unimpressed. "And what’s that supposed to mean?"
Agatha shrugged, leaning against a nearby bookshelf. "Just that you seem more like the type to be at the mall than in a library.” She paused, before gesturing to Jen’s book “that really your sort of story?"
"Wow, original," Jen shot back, closing her magazine with a snap. "Did you come here just to critique my choice of reading material, or do you actually have a purpose?"
"Maybe both," Agatha replied, a smirk playing on her lips.
From across the room, Rio watched the exchange with mild amusement. She rarely saw anyone hold their ground against Agatha, and it was intriguing.
"Agatha, stop scaring off the new blood," Rio called out, her voice teasing.
"New blood? Please," Jen muttered, gathering her things. "I have better things to do than deal with wannabe goths."
Agatha raised an eyebrow. "Wannabe? You really think you know me?"
"I know enough," Jen said, standing up. "Enough to know I don’t need this."
Rio intervened, stepping between them. "Alright, let’s cool it. Agatha, you’re being a little much."
"A little?" Jen scoffed.
Rio grinned. "You’re not exactly Miss Congeniality either."
Jen crossed her arms, glaring at both of them. "What do you want?"
Rio shrugged. "We’re just trying to survive this place. You seem like you could use a break from the usual crowd."
Jen hesitated, her defenses still up. "Why would I want to hang out with you two?"
Agatha, now slightly more serious, said, "Because maybe we’re not as bad as you think."
Jen studied them for a moment. "Fine. One chance. But if either of you annoys me, I’m out."
"Deal," Rio said, extending a hand.
Jen ignored the hand but nodded. "Let’s see what you’ve got."
Billys adoption
Billy Maximoff had always been the quiet one, the kid who preferred the company of books and his own thoughts over the chaos of the schoolyard. But being quiet didn’t make him invisible to the bullies. In fact, it seemed to make him more of a target.
It was during lunch one day that things came to a head. Billy was sitting alone at a corner table, sketching in a book he had gotten for his birthday, when older students decided he was an easy mark.
"Hey, Billy." one of them sneered, snatching the book from Billy's hands. "What’s so interesting in here, huh?"
Billy reached out, trying to grab it back. "Please, just give it back."
The bully laughed, flipping through the pages carelessly. "What’s the big deal? It’s just a stupid book."
Before Billy could respond, a sharp voice cut through the cafeteria. " Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?"
Everyone turned to see Agatha Harkness standing by the entrance, her eyes blazing with annoyance. Behind her, Rio stood with a casual, almost bored expression, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.
The bullies hesitated for a moment before one of them scoffed. "What are you gonna do about it, Harkness?"
Agatha smirked, taking a step forward. "You really want to find out?"
The tension in the room was palpable. Rio leaned against the doorframe, her voice calm but with an edge. "Trust me, you don’t."
With a few exchanged glances, the boys decided it wasn’t worth the trouble. They dropped the book on the table and walked off, muttering under their breaths.
Agatha walked over, picking up the book and handing it back to Billy. "You good kid?"
Billy nodded, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Thanks."
"No problem," Agatha said, sitting down across from him. "You shouldn’t let them push you around."
"I wasn’t letting them," Billy mumbled, tucking the book into his bag.
Rio plopped down next to him, her grin widening. "You are just adorable."
Billy blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "Uh, thanks?"
Agatha chuckled. "Don’t mind her. She enjoys making people uncomfortable."
Rio feigned innocence. "Me? Never."
Billy managed a small smile, though he still seemed unsure. "Why did you help me?"
Agatha shrugged. "Because I’ve been there. And I hate bullies."
Rio nodded. "Plus, we could use another member in our little club."
"Club?" Billy asked, raising an eyebrow.
Agatha leaned back, crossing her arms. "Yeah. You’d fit right in."
Billy hesitated. "I don’t know..."
Rio nudged him playfully. "Come on, what’s the worst that could happen?"
After a moment of contemplation, Billy nodded. "Okay, I’ll give it a shot."
Agatha smiled. "Welcome to the club.”
Sharon's Accidental Entrance
Sharon Davis had always been the friendly face of the student body. As a member of the student council, she made it her mission to be approachable, listening to the concerns and suggestions of her fellow students. Her warm demeanor and genuine interest in making the school a better place made her well-liked by nearly everyone.
One afternoon, Sharon was making her rounds, clipboard in hand, asking students what changes they’d like to see in the school. Her next stop was behind the library, where she had heard a group often gathered. She knew most of the council didn’t bother with them, but she was determined to get input from every corner of the student body.
As she rounded the corner, she found Agatha, Rio, Jen, and Billy sitting in a loose circle, engaged in a heated discussion about the latest school policy.
"Hey, what do you guys think about the new vending machines?" Sharon asked, her voice bright as she approached them.
Agatha raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, while Jen leaned back, crossing her arms with a skeptical look. "You’re really making the rounds, huh?"
Rio grinned, her usual mischievous spark in her eyes, "Trying to win the ‘most popular’ award or something?"
Sharon laughed softly, undeterred. "Just doing my job. So, any thoughts?"
Billy, ever the quiet observer, spoke up. "They’re fine, I guess. Could use better snacks,"
Jen rolled her eyes, " like that’s ever going to happen."
Agatha leaned back against the wall, crossing her arms. "maybe something that doesn’t taste like cardboard."
Sharon jotted down a few notes, nodding. "Got it. Anything else you think the school needs?"
Rio leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "How about a room where we can escape all the idiots for a while?"
Sharon chuckled. "I’ll see what I can do."
Agatha smirked.
Sharon paused, and she decided to stick around a bit longer, just to get to know them, make everyone feel welcome, you know?
"You know," Sharon said, sitting down on a nearby bench, "you guys are a lot more interesting than the usual student council crowd."
Agatha tilted her head, studying Sharon, while Jen gave a playful scoff. "And you’re a lot less annoying than the usual student council rep."
Rio grinned. "High praise coming from her."
Sharon smiled, feeling oddly comfortable. "Thanks, I think."
From that day on, Sharon found herself returning to the group behind the library more and more often.
One afternoon, as they lounged in their usual spot, Agatha turned to Sharon with a smirk. "So, you’re one of us now, huh?"
Sharon laughed. "I guess I am."
Rio grinned. "Welcome to the island of misfit toys."
Billy nodded, a small smile on his face, while Jen crossed her arms, pretending to be unimpressed but clearly pleased. "Glad to have you."
Sharon felt a warmth spread through her chest. For the first time in a while, she felt like she truly belonged. "Thanks, guys."
And just like that, Sharon Davis became the fifth member of their little group. It wasn’t the path she had expected, but it was exactly where she needed to be.
She seemed cool (Lilia)
Lilia Calderu had always been a bit of an enigma at school. With her flowing skirts, stacks of silver rings, and an ever-present deck of tarot cards. She often spent her time under the big oak tree in the courtyard, shuffling her cards or just sitting there with her eyes closed.
It was during one of these quiet afternoons that Jen Kale approached her. Jen had noticed Lilia a few times, Jen appreciated people who were unapologetically themselves, and Lilia was certainly that.
"Hey, you mind if I sit?" Jen asked, her voice casual as she approached Lilia, who was laying out a new tarot spread.
Lilia looked up, blinking a couple of times before she responded, "Sure, go ahead."
Jen plopped down on the grass, watching as Lilia turned over a card. "The High Priestess," Lilia murmured, more to herself than to Jen. "Introspection and intuition."
"So, is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Jen asked, genuinely curious.
Lilia glanced at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "Depends on how you interpret it."
Jen chuckled. "Fair enough. You know, I think you’d get along with my friends. We’ve got a spot behind the library where we hang out. You should come by sometime."
Lilia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not entirely convinced. "Why the sudden invitation?"
Jen shrugged, leaning back on her hands. "I dunno. You seem cool."
Lilia studied Jen for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I’ll check it out."
The next day, Lilia found herself wandering toward the library.
Agatha was leaning against the wall, Rio beside her with her signature mischievous grin. Billy sat cross-legged, absorbed in a book, while Sharon was jotting down notes for another student council project. Jen was the first to notice Lilia approaching.
"Hey, guys, look who decided to join us," Jen called out, waving Lilia over.
Agatha glanced up, her eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed the newcomer. "This the tarot girl?"
Lilia nodded, offering a small wave. "Lilia."
Rio grinned, nudging Agatha. "She’ll fit right in."
Billy looked up from his book, giving Lilia a shy smile. "Nice to meet you."
Sharon beamed, ever the welcoming presence. "Hi, Lilia! Glad you could make it."
Lilia settled down on the grass, feeling the group’s eyes on her but sensing no judgment. It was a rare and comforting feeling. She pulled out her tarot deck, shuffling the cards absentmindedly.
"You guys mind if I do a reading?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.
Agatha laughed. "Go for it. Let’s see what the universe has to say."
As Lilia laid out the cards, the group watched in fascination.
Only a couple days later, Jen leaned over, nudging Lilia playfully. "Told you you’d fit in."
Lilia smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Yeah, you were right."
Alice Wu Gulliver, the dead rockstars daughter.
Alice Wu Gulliver sat in the back corner of the classroom, her eyes fixed on the window as the early morning sunlight streamed in. She fiddled with the edge of her notebook, her thoughts far from the lesson. The past few months had been a whirlwind of change, and not the good kind. Losing her mom had thrown her life into chaos. And being the daughter of a famous rockstar meant everyone knew about it.
The whispers, the stares, the unsolicited pity from classmates who never spoke to her before—it was all too much. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact, and hoped the day would pass quickly.
Across the room, Billy glanced over at Alice, he’d noticed her before, she always kept to herself, and he didn’t know if that was by choice or not. Either way, Billy understood feeling overlooked, his mum cared more about strangers than him. He figured they had that in common - parents who weren’t quite there when you needed them.
As the bell rang, students began filing out. Alice lingered behind, methodically organizing her things. She had no desire to face the crowded hallways.
“Hey, Billy, you coming?” Eddie leaned in, pulling him out of his thoughts. Billy nodded, gathering his books as the bell rang. “Yeah, just a sec.”
"Hey, Gulliver," a familiar voice sneered from the doorway. Alice didn't need to look up to know it was Ryan, one of the more persistent bullies. "Still playing the tragic rockstar daughter?"
Alice's grip tightened on her notebook. "Go away, Ryan," she muttered, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Aww, come on. Just making conversation," Ryan said with a mocking grin. "Must be tough, being all alone."
Before Alice could respond, another voice cut in. "Ryan, get lost," Billy said, stepping into the room. His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Ryan sneered but backed off. "Whatever, man," he muttered, sauntering out.
Billy turned to Alice, his expression softening. "Hey, you okay?"
Alice nodded, "Yeah. Thanks," she said quietly.
“it’s Alice, right?” he said, approaching her cautiously.
Alice looked up, surprised. “Yeah?”
“I’m Billy. I, uh, just wanted to say if you ever need someone to talk to… I know what it’s like to feel kind of... out of place,” he offered, his voice awkward but sincere.
Alice studied him for a moment, “Thanks?” she said again, softer this time.
“We have a group that hangs out after school- and during school obviously" he chuckled akwardly "You’re welcome to join us if you want,” Billy added, shifting his weight nervously. “No pressure or anything.”
Alice hesitated, the thought of joining a group of people she barely knew was daunting. But there was something genuine about Billy’s offer. “I’ll think about it,” she replied, giving him a small, tentative smile.
Billy smiled back, relief washing over him. “Cool. We’ll be behind the library if you decide to come.” With that, he turned and headed out, leaving Alice to her thoughts.
Later that day, Alice found herself wandering over to the spot Billy mentioned. She wasn’t sure why she’d come. Maybe it was curiosity or just the need for a distraction.
As she approached, she noticed who was in the group. She knew bits and pieces about them—Agatha Harkness, who seemed to thrive on making people angry. Rio, with her eerie humor that kept others at bay. Jennifer Kale, who she actually isn’t sure about- people make fun of her a lot, but Alice hasn’t been able to make sense of it. Lilia Calderu, who, from what she could tell, was just a “weirdo”. and, of course, Billy himself, but then there was Sharon Davis, Alice had actually spoken to her a few times, she was loved by everyone, Alice wasn’t sure why she would choose this group.
She hesitated, standing at the edge of their gathering.
Billy noticed her first, waving her over enthusiastically. “Hey, Alice! Glad you could make it.”
“Yeah,” Alice replied softly, her eyes scanning the group.
“Didn’t know you were joining us,” Jen remarked, her tone light but curious. “Not that we mind, but it’s...” she looked at Billy “Surprising.”
“Sorry about that,” Billy said quickly, scratching the back of his head. “I should’ve given everyone a heads-up. It was kind of last minute.”
“It’s fine,” Agatha said with a shrug, her eyes flicking to Alice. “Just wasn’t expecting it, that’s all.”
Alice felt a pang of discomfort. “I can leave if it’s a problem.”
“No, stay,” Sharon said quickly, offering her a warm smile. “it’s nice to see you again Alice.”