#grey stone

The Water Witch—Spotify Canvas Animation—2025

Album Release: Still Dreams Artist: Grey Stone

New release is live on your favorite streaming service...maybe, maybe not. =)

It was an absolute nightmare.

When your parents had sat you down and told you they were getting divorced, you were understandably upset. When your father told you that he was getting remarried after only six months, you were angry. And when your step-mother told you that you were being sent away to boarding school, you were absolutely furious.

And now...you were certain that you’d be utterly miserable.

Having been sent away from everything you had ever known, all of your friends and your family, the future seemed as bleak and cold as the school itself.

It seemed like the end of your world!

As the bus rumbled along the mountain path, you could only sit in silence and stare out the window. There was no one else on the dark blue vehicle but you and the driver. When you had stepped onto the bus, the older woman driving it had given you the most pitiful look, as though you were a lost little puppy about to be sent to Cruella Deville’s door.

It was certainly a fitting description.

Through the falling rain and the dark ceder trees, a foggy image began to a slowly appear before you, coming closer and closer with every beat. Grey Stone. The academy loomed out of the shadows, the sight of it making your stomach turn.

This was it.

This was your future.

Stepping out into the rain, you lugged your things through the mud as the bus rumbled away, going a little faster then it had before, as though the lone driver couldn’t wait to get away. Blinking red lights vanished into the fog, leaving you alone as you stumbled up the wet staircase and towards the heavy door, nearly slipping several times. But before you could reach them yourself, the doors opened and light flooded the rain.

A figure loomed over you, his shadow pouring through the light.

Before you was a young Asian kid with neat hair and glimmering black eyes. He stood in the light, looking down at your shivering form with a cold sort of smile.

“Y/N L/N?” He asked.

The young man stepped forward, dark eyes gazing as he helped you pull everything inside.

“My name is Hisashi. As your class president, I was asked to show you to your dorm and explain a few things to you.”

And with that, he walked away, motioning for you to follow.

“Everything is pretty quiet right now.” Hisashi said. “Most of the students are still coming in so classes haven’t yet started. You have some time to meet everybody and get settled. I would advise you to pick your extracurricular activities in advanced, as well as a few special classes.”

“Special classes?”

“We all take things like math, english, and science, the basic education system; but Grey Stone offers others too. Try to find something you’re interested in.”

As you walked, a few students passed you by, some glancing at you both as you hurried after Hisashi.

A boy with fire red hair argued with a black boy, both of them glancing at you at you with interest as you passed by. A small, almost pixie like girl, gave you a little wave and a big smile. Other then that, there very few students lingered in the halls. Most were in their dorms, doors were wide open and revealed decorated rooms and many others.

But there was something was strange about…

“Y/N?” Hisashi snapped, yanking you out of your own mind. “Please pay attention. I don’t repeat myself.”

He turned away once more and kept walking, telling you a little bit more about the school.

“Since its your first year hear, you aren’t expected to choose a faction just yet. Factions, you see, are what we decide to do with our futures, the fields we work in and such. Science, business, the creative arts, whatever. Your time here is spent educating you for the roll you wish for.”

“It seems kind of...intense. What’s your faction?”

Hisashi laughed, an almost hallow sound, and looked back at you.

“Expectations are high here. You’ll learn that soon enough.” He replied. “And my faction is business. I’m training to take on my father’s company.”

He lead you through a set of doors and down a hallway, explaining that this connected the girl’s dormitory to the school.

“No boys, expect for student government members. We get some perks. You’ll have three roommates, share a bathroom with them. Each floor has a sort of den mother in charge and a set of rules to follow.” He paused, glancing at you for a moment. “I suggest that you follow them closely.”

There was something in his voice when he said that.

A twisting, cold sort of tone. It didn’t sound casual enough to be a simple little warning. It was darker. More serious.

And it almost frightened you.

Stopping at a plain brown door with golden letters upon it, Hisashi set your things down with a thump. He handed you a silver key, cold fingers brushing against your own for only a moment. Then he moved away, standing over you as he said,

“You’re the first of your roommates here so you get first pick. Lucky. Good bye and welcome to the academy.”

He walked away quickly, the formalities over and done with it seemed. Still feeling a little unsure, you said your own goodbyes before he left.

“Um, thanks. See you around, Hisashi.”

He paused.

For only a moment, he paused and turned, glancing at you with a cold smile. The sight made you shiver, something he seemed to notice...and he smiled a little bit more, replying to you in a soft, almost whispering voice.

“Perhaps.”

He was gone. And you were alone.

Unlocking the door, you stepped into the plain little room that awaited you. It was definitely spacious but Hisashi had been right, it was lucky you were the first here. The walls were painted a pale grey and the room was dim, lighting flashing through the tiny window. There were four bunk beds, each with a desk beneath, and two large dresser and wardrobes. A little door seemed to lead to the bathroom but other then that…

Nothing. No one.

Dragging your things inside, you claimed the bunk bed to the left of the window and began to sort through your things.

Blankets, sheets, clothes, and all of the things you had managed to grab before being sent packing. It wasn’t much but it was yours. You would make do. Throwing your old quilt over the bed, you turned away for a moment, only to be startled by a soft voice.

“Excuse me?”

Turning, you saw a tall girl with dreadlocks and glasses leaning into the room, just barely smiling at you. She was pretty, with a slender build and green eyes with thick lashes.

“I’m Liza. Your roommate. M.J. and Sam are going to be here next week so...I guess it’s just you and me for a while. Hope that’s okay.”

“That’s fine.” You replied. “I’m Y/N.”

She smiled meekly, claiming a bunk from across the room and lugging her things inside. You wanted to say something to her. Crack a joke, break the ice, just do...something...but you couldn’t. It was as though you were broken, your tongue heavy and a sick feeling rumbling in your belly.

Liza reminded you too much of the strangeness from earlier.

The others.

You had seen other students, just barely. They always seemed to be in a pair, a meek little thing standing (or rather hiding) with another student. Quiet. Never meeting your eyes. Almost like they were...scared. But scared of what? What was it?

The questions bubbled in your belly, almost bursting out.

But you said nothing. Something told you that Liza wasn’t in the mood to talk much. Turning away, you began to unpack your things and prepare for the school year. It would be long and hard but you told yourself it would be okay…

Wouldn’t it?