Villain Academy: School For The Evil (Chapter One: Lemons & Letters) - Amaya/Biromantic Bison

Addison’s day started with an inexperienced band barging into her room and blaring music on their instruments. Her parents stood at the door, recording her wild blonde hair and drool covered face for all of Aziac, the most popular streaming app, to see.

A few moments later, Addison was dragged toward the kitchen, where she had sixty seconds to eat a revolting smoothie made with water, peanut butter, kale, carrots, grilled chicken, and lemon juice. Unfortunately, the lemon juice was not added to the smoothie and instead squirted into her eyes.

Still in wrinkled pajamas and rubbing her eyes, Addison took a freezing shower and changed into a fresh set of clothes. She slipped into a silver tank-top, jeans, and boots. She attatched her twin bracelets, the only accessory her parents allowed her to wear. These twin bracelets were given to her on her fifth birthday from her parents, and she had kept them ever since.

Next, Addison’s parents gave her three tasks to complete.

First, spray weedkiller in the neighbor’s yard. Don’t forget the flowerbed. Addison’s neighbor had come out sobbing as they knelt on their sidewalk, gazing at their yard.

Peering out the window, Addison felt her heart slap her in shame.

Second, volunteer to babysit the Oshani’s baby and put an end to Little Chris. Little Chris’ parents had returned home just in time to prevent the boy from sticking a fork into an outlet with Addison nowhere to be seen.

Third, practice your powers. When Addison first received this task at age five, she had only giggled in amusement. “Magic!” Her parents had only shaken their heads and glared at their daughter.

And so, every day, Addison sat in her room for hours and tried to unleash her powers. Success had yet to reveal itself. She had tried so many ways that she had lost count. Concentrating, wishing, praying, imagining, saying Abracadabra, trying to shoot lightning out of her hands Spider-Man style, thinking of blissful memories (there weren’t that many), and so much more.

Addison couldn’t even remember the time she had shown any sign of powers. Her parents had told her she was a Stratus, one who could control storms. With every failure, she felt a wave of disappointment.

Today, Addison was staring out her window and at the peaceful neighborhood of Pebblebrook. Her pale and skinny arms were jammed in between a stack of sketchbooks and a ham sandwich that smelled like something had crawled inside and died. Her hair was tangled and damp from sweat, her face red from concentration.

Addison’s eyes focused on two boys tossing a basketball. One boy, shorter than the other, was dribbling the ball up the driveway and dodged the second boy. He threw the ball and it soared through the hoop. He wiped his face and turned around, staring at Addison as if he knew she was watching.

Addison gave a quiet gasp and closed the curtains, wishing she could live a normal life for once. She heard a knock at her door and stood up, hoping her parents hadn’t heard the gasp.

“Dinner,” spoke a sharp voice.

Addison threw open the door and her parents stepped inside, their unnaturally pale faces in an expression they reserved for their daughter only. Disapproval. Both were villains.

Addison’s parents weren’t the popular villains like Lady Night or Maleficent, but her mother was well-known across Aziac. Her brown hair was always in a weird and complicated hairdo (one that Addison couldn’t manage on herself) that was fashionable to her fans, her striking blue eyes were known for spotting even the smallest of details, such as the mess in Addison’s room. Her perfume smelled of something addicting but strong, which was why she known as Sharpie on Aziac.

Addison’s father was not as famous as his wife. He had failed at becoming a successful villain, so he became harsh toward his daughter. He had tousled blond hair and green eyes that were passed down to her.

Both of Addison’s parents saw disappointment every time they looked at her. She was born to two villains, but she hated her parents. She hated being evil and terrorizing others. It was her destiny to be a villainous jerk, but she tried to thwart it as best she could. She wanted to be a hero. She wanted to be known for achieving good deeds.

Addison’s father was already heading downstairs, grumbling about stairs.

Okay, maybe she couldn’t give up everything. She really wanted to push her father down the stairs and hopefully break a bone or two. Addison immediately felt guilty and ashamed of herself.

Addison’s mother hurried after her husband, and Addison grudgingly followed.

*DING DONG! DING DONG! DING DONG!*

Addison’s father threw open the front door, his face livid with anger. “BAH! STOP RINGING! WHAT DO YOU WANT YOU–” He started shouting some unflattering words.

The door opened more, revealing the boy who was playing basketball across the street. He seemed to have cleaned up, and he held a stack of envelopes. “Your mail, sir.”

Addison’s father took the mail and slammed the door shut.

“Brad, who is it, hon?” Addison’s mother called from the kitchen.

“That darn boy, Carp, or somethin’. He’s our new delivery boy, apparently.”

“Clark…” Addison muttered under her breath.

Her father turned to Addison. “Oh, so now you think you’re smart. Just be quiet.” He shuffled off toward the dining room where her mother was preparing the table.

Addison rolled her eyes and followed her father, slouching in her chair. She looked at the food and perked up. “Wow, Gronsten Soup?”

Addison’s mother sat down and glared at her daughter, gripping her butter knife.

Addison gulped.

Fortunately, her father came to the rescue. “Easy, Sharpie. Let’s not waste the knife on the trash.”

Addison’s face immediately darkened.

The table was silent for the next few minutes except for the sound of her father’s grunts as he sorted through the mail and the clink of a spoon against a bowl. He touched a crimson envelope and froze.

“Hon, what is it?” Addison’s mother asked.

Her father showed Addison’s mother the envelope, and she stood up, tears coming up to her eyes.

Addison narrowed her eyes. Her mother never cried. “What?” she asked as they handed the envelope to her. She opened the letter inside.

*Dear Addison Reed,*

*You have been accepted into the prestigious Villain Academy. We only accept learners with the potential for great evil, and we are pleased to have you. We expect you to grow and show your capabilities. Your school list is written below.*

Addison dropped the letter, shaking her head.

All of her worst fears had come true.

Chapter Two

Overview