The Campfire Song [pg13] [event]

[ωΘĿƒ]

Le Cyll snorted to himself. No ideas? What a waste... And here he had scaled this tree for nothing.

He could have just shot the dragon from below, but he was so willing to find out what Kendryek had in store. Hmm. Must be his damn curiosity, getting the better of him again.

See!? The signs! He's baiting you!

"You said that already..." the wolf growled, only to himself. Still, his eyes narrowed in a decidedly condescending manner. What a waste... all of this. This sound and this trip and this plan of Kendryek's. Why was he doing this?

You are weak... So weak... You cannot understand what it is to be firm, to be unflinching like the wolf... You are a dog...

"No need for namecalling..."[/i] the wolf sniffed, agitated. These noises were so terribly distracting and bothersome. He did wish they would all simply shut up and leave him in peace.

Weak... Swayed by that dragon to shoot another dragon... What is he planning? What?

"I don't know!" Le Cyll snapped, finally. It was only then that he realized he had said that out loud.

This was it... He was going crazy...

You are already crazy...

He ignored the sound and without any pause shot down Z the dragon. He fell quietly, and in such a way that no one seemed to notice him as unconscious. Yes, Le Cyll had used this type of hunting before. So very impersonal. He liked to meet the ones he hunted.

...but the voice was more quiet now.

He looked at Kendryek, waiting for another target.

"Who's next?"[/i] he asked, pointedly. He did not really care who it was, or whether or not this would enrage that Crane character.

He simply wanted the peace and quiet back.
[/color]

[Iƪƪia]

Glancing back, Illia rolled her eyes, nodding in agreement. It was a wonder that she had managed to put up with Z for so long. Not only was he childish, but he had also nearly gotten her killed, several times! If he wasn't rich, there was no way she would have stayed with him for so long. She didn't have that kind of patience.

This was why she already preferred Yama. She would always choose a man rather than a boy. But, of course, Z still had the money, and that always trumped everything else for her.

However, that moment, she wondered if perhaps she had underestimated Yama as her head snapped up immediately at the mention of jewels. She would have tripped if she hadn't been holding onto him for support as he told her about the type of jewel he could get her.

Eyes wide with surprise, she had to make a conscious effort not to suddenly start giggling like a madwoman. Instead, she composed herself rather quickly and smiled approvingly at him.

"Ooh, that would be lovely... Thank you."

So maybe she didn't need Z after all. Or maybe she could still get away with stringing both of them along. She'd have to wait and see on this one.

[areyna]

Nami scurried with Elle by her side to Areyna who had maybe a litter over excited expression. Wonder why, Nami pondered. O well, guess she’s really happy to see me! Was I gone that long? She shrugged finally letting go of Elle’s wrist once they succeed on arriving at their destination. More or so Nami’s destination really. She was about to yell Areyna’s name till she took note of a man standing in front of her. As she would have guessed Nami had yet to lay eyes on the newcomer though she was puzzled as to why. Her attendance with the school lasts for many years so she figured her familiarization should be close to perfect by now. She let the distressing thought fly away like a lonely butterfly sticking out her hand to the strange gentlemen with a happy, friendly grin on her face.

“Hiya! How are you! Who are you? I’m Nami and I see you must be pared up with my friend here! How cool! Are you new here? I’ve never seen you before and I’ve been here for quite a while!” She scrutinized him from head to toe as if she were consumer considering on buying a painting or not. “Yup! Never seen you!”

Areyna willingly let a giggle slip, the fast pace at which her friend seemed to talk was funny to her. To be honest, she tried clearly mumbling words as quickly as Nami did but she lacked the oxygen to continue on. Nami smiled at Areyna as if she herself could read her thoughts.

“Oh!” Nami remembered turning to her new made friend Elle. “This here is Areyna! The girl I mention who I think is a lot like you! This is her!”

Her arm glided down once she raised it as if show casing her friend. Randomly she gazed beyond Areyna’s figure landing on the sights of her miserable boy friend laughing as she figured he would be in such a mood. O hey! She also recognized the kid she hypothesized as being Areon’s partner. Without a hindering moment Nami seized Elle’s wrist again to continue the pulling game. As she power walked away she waved her hand crazily in the air.

“By Areyna bye Areyna’s partner! Nice meeting ya!” And with that she approached Areon with all the more excitement within her doubling. Why? Because she always felt that way around her precious rain cloud!

As soon as she arrived her best friend departed. Areyna’s heart sunk just a little, and here she thought her loneliness would end. A companion who stood with her as she was forced to remain close to a complete stranger. Areyna blinked realizing how completely rude her thoughts were but could she help it, she struggled with befriending strangers on her own. No! She can do this! She already told herself she could! Discouraging herself is the wrong way to view the situation! With a sudden confidence she forced herself to glance into Hendrix’s eye while just a little uneasiness slipped into her cup of assurance. In another attempt, she grabbed his hand placing in in-between her petite soft slightly quivering hands. Tightening her grip she nodded, a belated response, to Hendrix’s agreement in accompanying the tour of the forest with her. “Let’s go.” She managed to avoid stammering though her voice was still low. She began walking as if she knew where the tour was till it hit her that she had absolutely no clue where in the world she was heading. Stopping abruptly, her face reddened at her embarrassing mistake or what she considered embarrassing. As her normal gesture when humiliated she brought her hands to her face to hide them absent mindedly forgetting she still had Hendrix’s hand in her. As her own hands inched closer to her face something brushed lightly across her nose, a something that felt like a finger. Startled Areyna hastily released her clutch placing her right hand across on top of her nose and bowed as she apologized for her stupidity.

“I’m sorry! I- I-I-I have no idea where I’m going!” She stood up straight ceasing the bowing though her face was consumed by the dark red shade replacing her peach colored skin.
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Ah, well Nami decided to take a detour in visiting his cousin and that questionable man first. He was gracious with the awarded time to himself yet he growled to himself as he watched his idiot partner trudge his merry way back to him. Life, it hated him he could practically swear on it. A voice whispered its agreement Areon distracting himself , for once, paying attention to the meaningless sentences Z spewed at him to rid of the unwanted comments in humming in his head. Of course, Z’s comments weren’t any better in the end but Areon bit his lip to hide a smirk responding the very last words stated in the very last sentence. Did he like dead things? Yes, yes he did, he liked the things he caused to die. Any second…..his partner would fall victim to such a fate. Areon rubbed his temples while a headache burrowed its ugly head into existence. Great, just what he needed. Reluctantly, he watched Z pull out a bag of marshmallows stuffing about a handful into his mouth. He had the urge to speak while his mouth was full of the sugary white substance jumbling and disorienting his words but Areon had a well enough idea of what he was saying.

“Please, if it’s not too much of a challenge just shut up for about 30 minutes. Can you do at least that much?”

Hopefully, for his sake, Z will gladly take on the challenge and peace would greet him at last but of course it never did. Suddenly two arms wrapped around Areon’s neck accompanied with a giggle.

"Hello my lovely!” Nami exclaimed.

Areon released her arms from his neck muttering an annoyed greeting back. Nami spun in front of him with a pout.

“Hey, what’s with that attitude? Come on smiles for me!

“No.”

She stuck her tongue out at him then beckoned Elle to come closer waving to the familiar person with his cheeks bulging from what she guessed to be marshmallows. “Looky Areon, I made a new friend! And I see you made one too!”

Areon scoffed. “Friend” didn’t cover half of it. He took upon himself to give the new comer a hint of attention. She was nervous, he can sense it, but the look on her face would have given the emotion away easy enough. He caught movement from the corner of his eye, Areyna finally made a move. She was headed for the tour with her “partner”, yes. Time to follow. Without looking at him Areon gave Z the heads for where he was headed.

“If you want to come than come, I don’t care. If you don’t I still don’t care but I’m leaving.” Without the smallest goodbye he departed from his partner staying a decent distance behind his cousin. He rubbed his head once more. Ug. Wretched headache.

Nami remained quiet for a few painstaking seconds till she asked Elle if she would like to go on this so called tour or do something else. She didn’t mind either way but to fuel the obvious fact that she wanted to stay with Areon she began slowly walking to follow him hoping Elle herself would follow. She trailed on humming quietly to herself till she saw Areon momentarily pause glancing behind. His gaze reaching far enough behind her as well. There was a smirk present on his face, a smirk holding back a chuckle. Not a nice chuckle either. Why would he chuckle? Automatically, to ease her curiosity and answer her question, Nami half turned to the side taking a look behind her the boy they departed from suddenly laying on the dirt. She blinked in confusion frantically searching her surrounding yet finding nothing or no one "suspicious". What exactly happened.....?

[Oren]

Yama smiled. Score! She had fallen for it! Now he only needed to bide his time and play nice until he sensed the oportune moment...

He smiled at her and continued to lead her away, toward that dark cave he had seen about a quarter of a mile from where they were. No one would notice them that far away. No one at all. It wasn't like he was planning to do anything bad to her, even though her very presence made him sick to his stomach.

"Well then, I will be sure to have it next time we meet." He smiled, almost softly, at her. "My 'friends' should be more than willing."

They were a good two hundred yards from the rest of the students now, but at this pace it would take them too long to get there... Maybe they'd stop when they couldn't see anyone anymore. It was more risky of her being discovered unconcious, but he would have to risk it. Hendrix would need him back soon. That head chimera didn't seem to have the best things in mind, and the fact that they were on the list of groups was still nagging at the back of his mind.

How had that creature known?! They hadn't even found out about the trip before a few days ago and didn't decide to go until the morning of. There had been no garuntee that they would have come! And that was why he had to be back soon.

Nothing good was about to come out of this.

Well, he was getting to destroy this girl's little world...

"Come, let's walk a little faster. The longer we mosie the shorter we have to play."

[Iƪƪia]

Illia nodded, picking up her pace to keep in step with Yama and holding onto him more tightly. However, where they were going and what they were going to do once they got there was the last thing on her mind right now. Though she'd rather have both, if she had to choose, she would pick jewelry over physical pleasure any day.

Luckily for her, it seemed as though she might be able to get both with Yama. Perhaps he wasn't rich, but he seemed to have the right incentive. He could give her whatever she wanted... And how he went about doing that was of little concern to Illia. It didn't matter what you do to get there, as long as the end result is the same.

***

Watching as Yama and the whore got further and further away, Hendrix shook his head with a sigh. He still had trouble understanding the freak. On the one hand, the guy knew not to try to steal any of his girls, but on the other hand if a girl like that throws herself at you, you take the damn opportunity! If you didn't it was... It was blasphemy! Well, at least watching them gave him something to do aside from listening to the new girl's constant blathering.

Forget them.

The girl?

Hendrix looked back in surprise as Areyna took him by the hand and led him away. Well, finally! It took longer than he'd expected, but he got through to her eventually. After all, no woman could resist him for very long. Unfortunately, they didn't get very far before she was hit with another wave of self-loathing. Hendrix sighed as he placed his hands into his pockets. She seemed to be perpetually embarrassed as well. Oh, she just loved to make his job difficult, didn't she?

Forcing a soft chuckle, he took a step toward her, fed up with playing a passive game. He reached forward and gently tipped her chin up so that they maintained eye contact.

"Hey, nothing to be ashamed about, right. Just calm down a little, okay? And hey, we don't really need a guide, I mean personally, I'm totally fine with it just being me and you."

Normally, he would have ended that little speech with a kiss, but seeing how badly the phoenix was freaked out just by being close to him, not to mention the fact that her creepy friend was probably watching them, he decided against it. Like it or not, he'd still have to go slowly with this one.

***

Ivan watched the conversations unfolding around him, though his mind was focused elsewhere. The time to act was fast approaching and he was going through everything that needed to be done. There was so much... But it was nothing to worry about. He was confident that this game would play out exactly the way he wanted it to, and he was confident that it would end exactly how he wanted it to as well.

The only problem was that he couldn't really control the paths that the players took. He could attempt to persuade them, of course, but no more. And so he had to wonder... Would his pawns be enough? Perhaps. Or perhaps he needed more. Something else... Something like...

... Like maybe the demon?

Startled by his own thoughts, he glanced up to find the demon at the front of the group. That was perfect, actually. It was amazing that it hadn't occurred to him before. Perhaps he wanted to avoid the creature, but why? It was powerful and it seemed to lack both loyalty and morals. It had to be willing to obey him as long as he let it have its fun.

Quickening his pace, he ambled over to the demon, placing a hand on its shoulder.

"Oh, excuse me, partner, but I was wondering if I might discuss something with you?"

Without even waiting for an answer, he began to lead it away from the group. It might be risky, but Ivan was confident that everything would work out in his favor in the end. Wasn't that how it always happened, anyway?

[ωΘĿƒ]

Coyle stopped eavesdropping on Crane's conversation when Ivan walked up to him... very politely, and without much hostility.

That's a bit odd.

He smiled his wicked little smile, and nodded in response. Well, if the Russian wanted to say something, then why not? He was done with Crane for now, and he knew that whatever was going to happen, it was going to happen now.

But... not before he talked to Ivan.

The Russian took him out of earshot of most of the others, and they had a talk. A nice long, complex kinda talk. The kinda talk that always makes Coyle smile. He usually wasn't much for talking - it was so damn boring - but today was his lucky day. He liked what Ivan was saying, and Ivan seemed to like his responses.

It was always good to make new friends. Seems like Coyle and Ivan were playmates now, and Ivan had a fun game that Coyle was just dying to play.

And hey, he got benefits. Elle was his now.

When the two got back from their talk, Coyle couldn't be smiling wider. Well, at least he didn't have to throw the slimy little Russian under the bus now.

But he did have some work to do... A lot of it. And it began right about now.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

After he had spoken with the centaurs, Crane decided it was about time to finish this whole ordeal. It seemed the school year was just beginning now, and with it came the usual troubles. He may even have to open up the torture chambers again.

He hadn't had to do that in a long while. This must be a good class, which is why they needed this field trip. It would be very useful to them later on in the school year.

"Are they allowing the spell to be cast, Daniel?" Mike skittered over, following in the last of the group that had gone to see the forest with the centaurs. He looked well, in spite of the handkerchief grasped between one of his hands.

"They will tolerate it, but not for as long as I'd hoped."

"Hmm," the old spider sat down next to Crane, dabbing at his forehead and looking out over the clearing. "There's no authorization for a time spell, is there?"

Crane shook his head.

"The centaurs are firm on having their time pass naturally without our interference."

Mike chuckled. "All horse and no man, those things are. They can sense the time variations, and anything else that warps the fabric of their reality. I'd imagine they despise your presence!"

"Oh, they hate me," Crane smiled.

"Well then best do good with the natural time that we have. These things usually last days! Hmph! And they expect you to do it in minutes!"

"We knew this might happen. The centaurs have always told us that one day we could not use their woods to do these things. It only means we must find another place after this."

Mike and Crane sat in silence for a moment, then Mike could only shake his head.

"We can't use White's, Daniel. There is too high a price on his land."

"We can't leave the confines of the shield either. Everyone would notice something like this happening. And the school is made to prevent this from happening. I'd hate to break those seals."

"Bloody hell!" Mike growled, "Should we open a portal and use another dimension?? It doesn't seem like there's any space were we are!"

"Coyle could arrange that."

"Coyle can arrange anything, Daniel; but there's always an aftermath when he's involved. I'm sure he's plotting our destruction as we speak..."

"Of course he is." Crane shrugged, forgetting the subject. He could not babysit Coyle. It was far too much energy, and in the end Coyle always had another agenda. It was best to simply leave the demon to his deeds.

"We can worry about this later," Crane finally concluded. "I'm running out of time."

With that, the conversation ended and Mike picked up the stake in the ground used to mark the center of camp. He said a few words over it, and instantly all the kids that were out of the camp's clearing appeared inside of it.

Night had been creeping up on the campsite for a while now, and by the time that Crane and Mike had done speaking, it was pitch black save for the few campfires that had been lit by some of the students. Mike said another string of words over the small stake and the entire clearing lit up with a serene, heavenly glow.

That glow quickly gained a reddish hue as the barrier around the campsite became more apparent. It reminded Crane a bit of one of those electrical fences. The sparks of protective magic stuck out sharply like barbed wire, and the entire clearing crackled with a harsh electrical sound.

No one had seen it before, but this barrier had been up the entire time they were here. It was meant to accommodate the guest of honor tonight, but he hadn't made any movements to escape yet, so it seemed even he hadn't noticed it.

Crane raised his voice just loud enough to be heard over the low murmur of assorted talking, and using his calm, plaintive and rarely used vocal cords, he made a small announcement.

"Um yes, can I have your attention? We have to begin the trial now."

[Iƪƪia]

Growing all the more impatient, Hendrix had decided that if nothing happened soon, he was gonna grab the phoenix and make a run for it. No one stood a chance against him when he was on his plane after all. Or at least, no one could catch him.

However, he then noticed that something was... Different. Suddenly, there were many more people around and they all seemed to appear all of a sudden. It was... Weird. Not to mention uncomfortable. He didn't really care to hang around this group longer than he had to.

And then, something else happened. Something much worse. It started with a weird glow surrounding the campsite, but the glow soon became much more defined. It didn't take a genius to figure out what it was.

A barrier.

Taking a few, shaky steps away from the barrier, he looked back at where the leader-guy was standing. So he was right! He did know! And he was trying to trap him! No, no... No! He had to get out. Get out now. He couldn't be trapped! No, he didn't enjoy being trapped at all... He had to get away, he had to!

Not caring who saw him, he faded away into the shadows. Once he was safely on his plane, he immediately bolted for the edge of the campsite and freedom... Only to stop himself at the last minute. Dropping to his knees in dismay, he glanced up, following the curves of the barrier and seeing no possible escape. He really was trapped. Even on his own plane, they had caught him.

Shifting back onto the main plane, he looked around at the group, whimpering slightly. He straightened up and tried to appear as calm as possible, as if by looking normal no one would bother him. Then, he heard the leader say something about a trial.

A... Trial?

What does that mean? What did we do?!

... Maybe it's not about us?

Get out of your fantasy world and get the **** out of there!

How?!

Run! Hide! Do something!

Cursing under his breath, he quickly and quietly moved about the edge of the camp, using the students as shelter. Even he wasn't entirely sure of the logic behind it, but perhaps he'd stay safe if he kept moving? Or maybe if it came down to it he could throw the students at them as a diversion while he found a way to escape. There had to be some way out of this mess.

[Oren]

Kendryek realized the threat of a barrier before anyone else. He noticed Crane and Mike speaking in low tones and then them pluck the stick. He was immediately on the alert, shouting for Le Cyll to move toward the clearing.

They are setting up a barrier. They'll move all the students inside before it closes. If you want strategic placing, might I suggest you move in now? Otherwise you might get placed next to someone you don't want to be.

The dragon was thinking of that man Hendrix along with Ivan, Coyle, and a few others. He could do without standing next to them. Moving fast while almost unnoticeable, he was down from the tree and within the barrier in seconds. He didn't even pay attention to Le Cyll. He was too curious as to what Crane was planning. This barrier would be inescapable, he was sure of that, and everyone that came would be placed inside without their consent. Crane had access to anyone who was here. Except maybe those two who didn't attend the school. Hendrix was already in the boundary and seemed quite oblivious to what was about to happen.

And then it happened. All the students were suddenly at the campsite again. Everyone, as far as he could tell. Even that Yama character, though, what had happened to Illia? Oh, there she was. They were still side by side, both looking not too pleased with the turn of events.

Turning his attention back to Professor Crane and Mike, he walked toward them while staying on the down-low. It wasn't like he cared if he was seen or not by those two. Odds are they either didn't care or had already noticed.

At the mention of a trial, Kendryek started looking for Hendrix. It was an automatic reaction as the creature carried an evil aura. He had a feeling it was about the two outsiders, but he would wait till it was announced. If possible, of course, he would not condemn Hendrix, but if the professor had enough against him, Kendryek wasn't sure of what he could do to help. Odds were he'd think of something.

.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.'.~.

Yama growled under his breath. Oh, this was just great. That stupid chimera just had to go and ruin his whole plan! Sure, he was grateful that he didn't have to actually do anything with Illia, but it had all but destroyed his plan! Of course, she'd read his frustration wrong, but that was a good thing. And now he didn't have to waste that on her. Maybe... maybe Crane had done him a favor...?

After Illia had disappeared he had rushed back to the camp site, sure that something was amiss. He had been right, of course, and only managed to slip inside the barrier at the last second. While he himself would be fine if he wasn't inside, there would be no helping Hendrix from the outside. He wasn't sure what exactly he'd do if he didn't know what befell Hendrix. Of course, he'd move out of the hotel for good. There would be no reason to keep it... then again, if Hendrix befell something terrible, odds were that he would as well, so there was no point in planning life after if there wasn't going to be an after...

Letting go of Illia's hand, he took a step forward before saying, "I have to go find my friend. Things aren't... looking too bright." With that, he left her. He couldn't care less what happened to her. She could follow if she wanted to, but odds were, he was in trouble too.

There! Hendrix appeared at the edge of the barrier, seeming perturbed and not too happy. Dissipating, Yama floated beside the Nocturne, letting him sense his presence for a second before forming completely beside him.

"This wasn't the brightest idea we've ever had..." He made sure to put the blame partially on himself. Hendrix was Beyond paranoid and this was no time to go pointing fingers.

[ωΘĿƒ]

After the preliminary confusion wore down a bit, Crane noticed the kids became a bit quieter. It was nice to know that he could still talk to people, but this was about where his part in the trial ended.

He never did like these proceedings much. Not as much as the judge of the trial did. He would, however, have to narrate a bit. For some odd reason, people thought his voice commanded more attention than Mike's or even Coyle's.

Strange. He didn't do much.

Crane sighed, tired already. He cast a quick glance at Coyle, and the demon seemed to understand what was happening.

He gave Crane that vile, menacing smile like he always did, and crept up next to him.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wasn't it funny? All that power, all that immense knowledge and ability, all that ookky spooky creepy magic and that crazy way of acting like some stoned out hippie, and Crane still needed him to do his dirty work.

He didn't mind. These things were always fun anyways.

Coyle took the stage with a flourish of motion, smiling excitedly at his audience. The good part would start soon, but for now, there was all that talking that went on.

It didn't matter in the end. The best part was, Crane had been planning a Trial all along and he kept it a surprise just for Coyle. The demon cackled with delight.

"Whoa there, boy," Mike skittered, darkly from behind Coyle. "You're scaring the children."

"I'd be scared if I was them..." he snickered.

"Don't be melodramatic!" the spider growled. "This is not a slaughter! It is a respectable tradition that only occurs when-"

"Blah blah bladedy blah... You bore me, spidey. Let's just get to the good part, hmmm?"

Coyle would have played it up, just to milk the fear out of anyone who was listening, but Crane set a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head in that calm, almost dreary kind of way.

Killjoy...


"By now I hope you realize this is indented to be more than a camping trip. For a few centuries now, the centaurs have allowed us to come to this spot within the woods whenever we required the Trial in our curriculum. It is not a regular lesson, or one that we teach everyone; but in this case we have found reason to teach it."

Coyle felt half of his body go numb with boredom. Oh yeah, this was the long speech... Mike saw him levitating a few rocks out of boredom, and smacked him on the back of the head.

The beast let out a hissing, venomous snarl before sighing and tuning back into Crane once more.

Tradition sure was a killer... And he thought he was good...

"There are few actual rules within the Academy. Most of them are implemented for safety reasons."

As if that wasn't enough to convince the crowd, Crane looked at Coyle momentarily. The beast looked back, his luminous red eyes like hot coals, and smiled sheepishly.

"Damn you caught me, Sherlock. I do roam around at night and eat children! Oh and by the way that vampire buddy you've got? He eats people too!"

Crane watched the beast roll his eyes boredly before turning back to the crowd.

Coyle and White were not the issue here, but there were things Coyle should hear again. The beast did not remember the rules particularly well.

"As I was saying..." Crane sighed, "There are rules. Coyle, would you like to mention one of them for us?"

The demon's face lit up, and his eyes got a bit redder as they scanned the crowd for the unlucky guest of honor.

"Oh! I spy with my little eye something writhing back there near the barrier! Could it be? The reason we've been dragged into the middle of the woods?! A killer... In cold blood and premeditated and all that fun stuff..."

Crane again shook his head. Not the issue. None of this was important, and wasn't it Coyle that wanted this to move on faster? Why was he prolonging it then? Most likely to scare anyone else that had killed someone in the audience. Crane could already tell that the ones who had in fact done this were listening now more than ever, but they weren't the target here. They were inconsequential, as were the ones that died.

It was all inconsequential... None of it mattered. The point to all of this would be nice.

"Elaborate." Crane's voice was small and monotone - perhaps fatigued or offered without much thought.

"Gladly," the more harsh, snapping voice of the beast chimed in with a childish glee. "The reason we're here? Not for any old murderer. Half of you are guilty of that! Nope, we're looking for the evil sonofagun that raped and killed a human! That narrow it down?"

Crane put a bit more effort into his next statement.

"Hendrix. Arrived here a few days ago with Yama Ikiinochi. It is up to the discretion of myself and Coyle to determine the consequences for such an action."

"I say we kill him!" Coyle beamed, happily.

Crane shook his head. That wasn't an appropriate sentence, and Coyle knew it. He was simply trying to antagonize the situation.

[Iƪƪia]

Breathing heavily, Hendrix was looking wildly around at the barrier encasing him. There had to be some way out... A weak spot, at least. Somewhere? Anywhere? No... Damn it! There was nothing! Why did this have to happen to him? Why now? Why?! He wasn't such a bad guy, was he? Granted, he was a little misguided... But he wasn't evil!

When he noticed Yama beside him, he turned toward him, scowling. He opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it without saying anything. Now wasn't the time for this. If they managed to get away he could figure out how this was all Yama's fault later. Instead, he now shoved Yama forward, cowering behind him as he listened to the speech going on.

He was still confused about just what he had done. Yeah, he killed a few people... And raped even more, but he had gotten away with it all! Hadn't he? He never noticed anyone spying on him, and besides, if they had a problem with him, why not just approach him soon after it happened? Why go through all this trouble? What's more, why did it matter what he did to the students! They had plenty more, and none of them were particularly special anyway... Wait... Come to think of it, there was one time when...

At that moment, Hendrix's head shot up when there was mention of someone who had raped and killed a human. With a groan, he looked around at the rest of the group, hoping that they were talking about a different rapist.

How could he have been so stupid?! Of course he had to have seen this- seen something coming! He should have just left right after that event, but instead they had been just so damn confident...

Don't blame us for your stupidity!

Grabbing a fistful of his hair, he began to pace in a small circle, paranoid, desperate, and very frightened. He then turned and took several sudden, shaky steps forward, addressing the leader and the one he called "Coyle" directly.

"What? Me? C'mon, you c-can't be serious, I mean, I... It's not like that I- I just... See, the thing is- I didn't- I mean it's- Look, I'm not a bad person! Honest!" He spoke quickly, his voice bordering on hysterics, "I don't- Well, I... See, I- I don't want to do the things I do! R-really, I only- It's like I'm forced to! But l-listen, I'll leave this place right now. For good. Never come back! Please? I just- I mean, I don't- Ah..."

He let his voice trail off, unable to think of anything to say. Strange how they were always so unhelpful in situations like this. He stepped back, trembling, half expecting them to execute him on the spot.

[ωΘĿƒ]

Crane barely heard the words uttered in Hendrix's defense. It was too sheltered here. He could not focus properly, and maybe that was the point?

The centaurs had not been happy with this trip at the start. It would make sense that they would try to interfere with the proceedings in any way possible. This made it... hard to focus.

The barrier flickered slightly.

Crane cut in, very uncharacteristically, with a sharp edge to his voice.

"Too many words. This is about order, and an order has been corrupted."

Mike, noticing the way things were going, stepped up to Coyle and whispered something in the beat's ear. He nodded curtly, stepping up to fill in.

"Suck it up, buddy. This ain't a court hearing. We don't listen to both sides... You did a big fat no no, and you're going to pay for it. Now the big guy's having a few technical problems, so you get to deal with me... Pray he snaps out of it and shows you some mercy."

Coyle flexed his fingers, moving them in the style of a puppeteer. He yakned the gravity from around Hendrix and added some of his own towards the middle of the clearing, effectively dragging Hendrix out into the open.

Coyle even flung aside the guy he was hiding behind, just to show he meant business.


Ah yes. Looks like someone got the keys to daddy's car. Coyle hoped Crane would end up having to pop out for a bit and make this Trial more interesting... As if on cue though, the ripe old chimera chimed in again.

"Execution is out of the question. Something more creative would do, Coyle."

Creative? He didn't want to be creative... He wanted a bloodbath.

Well, there were a few fun and freaky things he could think of. Even more fun than simple death. Now that was more like creativity. It was art.

The art of torture, but hey, he wasn't choosy. At least it wasn't modern art. This stuff would be a bit more poetically justifying. Maybe even intuitive and new?

Nah. He'd snag something from an old mythology book. Those punishments always worked wonders for the wow factor.

"Fine..." the beast muttered, dully. "I guess we could go with a test. Something nice and gory that he can't possibly win..."

"No," was the simple answer. It sounded like Crane was stepping back up to the battlefield. He was standing up straight and everything.

"This place is not a trap. It is not a place to hide, and it is not a stadium for your amusement. The academy is a sanctuary without distinction and devoid of control. Besides the standard issue school rules there are no restrictions, save the ones meant to ensure the longevity of this location. Even humans are allowed here, though this place is not designed for them. That is why there is a rule. If a human is harmed by one of us, then they cannot preserve the secret of our existence. If one is killed, then there will be questions. Things much higher than you, Hendrix, will want to know why, and what can I give them but you?"


"No!" Coyle snapped. "They can't have him! I want him! They can go shove it!"

Seemingly without hearing Coyle's challenges and rants, Crane continued.

"That is why we have a Trial. It is a loophole designed to keep the higher beings where they belong and away from their righteous vengeance."

Coyle chuckled viciously.

"You lie! The Trail is just another way for you to play god... Now get on with it! What are we going to do to the miserable little thing?!"

Crane took a step back, finished.

"You decide. Follow my instructions."

As if he had been deciding all along, Coyle offered something up immediately.

"Oh! I have it! Why don't we let him go..."

[Iƪƪia]

Hendrix let out a yelp of surprise as he was suddenly pulled out into the open. Falling to his knees, he stared at the ground for awhile, unsure if he'd even be able to get up. Then he swallowed several times, wrapping his arms around himself as he was still trembling violently.

He didn't do well with confrontation. Normally if he was confronted he would back down... Maybe throw in an ingenuine apology or two before shifting and running away. Here he couldn't do that. Well, he could apologize, but he doubted that it would have much of an effect on these two.

Hendrix didn't move as he was barely able to listen to them talk. He was almost too frightened to move at all. He didn't know what they were going to do to him, but he knew it would be bad. Very bad. In his hundreds of years of life, killing and raping thousands and thousands of girls... And he gets caught now. And all because he decided to play with one of the headmaster's precious, little humans.

So it had just been one, giant mistake to come to this goddamn school. He'd just about had it with these freaks now and he just wanted to go away. Go somewhere far away from this place. Get out of the state, out of the country. Maybe go back to London...

When he heard his name he began to pay attention again, though he didn't like what he was hearing. So they would throw him to these "higher beings" just because he ****** with one human girl? That was ****** up! Involuntarily he let out a cry of despair. He didn't like the way this trial was going so far.

He inhaled a few shaky breaths before looking up, though when he did he still looked like he was on the verge of tears. With some difficulty, he got to his feet, his arms still wrapped around himself. He still hadn't said anything else in his defense, but at Coyle's words, he suddenly found his voice again.

"Why don't we let him go?" He asked without thinking, his voice cracking a bit.

[ωΘĿƒ]

Coyle let loose a bit of the ol' skin, so his tentacles could get some air. Now there was a thought... A good thought. Why don't we let him go?

"Yes. I like that one... Very much... Let's let the little freak scamper like the weasel that he is..."

Gaining a small, interested look from Crane, Coyle only shrugged.

"It fits the bill. He might not die."

Crane seemed to let it go at that. He probably had some writhing on the floor to do. Looks like that magic stuff was getting tricky. Damn was he glad he didn't dabble. All those rules and laws and jurisdictional ****ing matches. He was pretty sure the centaurs were sticking it to Crane right about now. The little whiners. Always crying about their forest.

Coyle touched a tentacle to the ground, and the lush grass beneath it smoldered, making a widening ring of destruction.

How'd they like that? He didn't follow their rules... That's why Crane brought him along. He was immune to all this magical crap.

"Yes... That's good... We should do that..." Coyle smiled, still finishing off the edges to his nice new shiny plan. When he was finished, he just laughed a little.

"Alright, here's the deal kiddies. All you little killers and rapists and deviants galore... This is a free for all as far as Crane's concerned, but I'm a bit more picky. I'm going to show you what happens when you don't keep yer claws to yourself. This is a lesson, so listen up!"

Coyle took a walk around Hendrix, sizing the guy up. He wasn't strong. None of them were... now. But they'd get there. Some of them would be threats later on, and Coyle didn't have time to deal with every little brat that wanted to duke it out for the right to pillage.

He was the school demon. He alone had that right.

Squatting down next to the shivering body of Hendrix, Coyle could only smile.

"We're going to play a fun game. A game you can either win or lose, depending on how you play it... I'm going to let you go. Anywhere you want. You can even leave the academy if you want to, but I wouldn't suggest it. Now that you've ****ed off some of the higher ups you'll need to finish your punishment before outside's a safe place again. Otherwise they'll zap you like a bug."

Looking up, Coyle made sure he had a good audience. This was for them too. The whole class had to know what was at stake if they made a boo boo with the rules.

"But other than that. Go wild. Go nuts. Go crazy... But I'll be keeping an eye out. I might even pop in. Chat with those voices of yours. You know, say hi to the neighbors. Oh, and I'll have a little scoreboard up on you. No biggy. Nothing will happen... for up to a month. Then you have to pay up. Any damage you've reaped upon another living creature within that time period you get to pay back with interest, and you're paying me. Not Crane. I promise he won't have anything to do with that judgment! But you know... if you're a good boy and eat all your vegetables I might be persuaded to slap you on the wrist and call it a day. You can come away a free man, and all cleared up with those zappy people on high. That's my offer. Choose wisely now!"

[Iƪƪia]

Looking down at the ground, Hendrix listened as Coyle continued to speak. Some of his initial fear dissipated into confusion as he tried to comprehend the meaning behind his words. They were... Letting him go? Really? After all this they would let him go just like that. Weird, but it was probably best not to question it.

Noticing Coyle come closer to him, Hendrix tipped his head but didn't look up. He wasn't finished yet. Of course not. He looked away as he waited for the rest of the speech.

He said... A lot. But Hendrix managed to pick up a few key sentences. Apparently, he could do whatever he wanted to after this, but if he did do whatever he wanted... There would be punishment? At this, Hendrix glanced sideways at Coyle, taking a step or two away.

That... just wasn't fair! This... His "job" was who he was! It was just what he did! He didn't want to go without it for a week much less a month! Besides, there was no way they would like it. He wouldn't hear the end of it! And yet if he didn't play nice, then... Damn it! What should he do?! Even if he decided to play this game he couldn't be certain that he'd actually make it through the entire month without hurting anyone. Basically, either way he chose, he lost.

Well... There was always choice number three: suicide. Who knew if he even had a month left, anyway? That might actually be the best option. However, the voices that suddenly roared to life didn't seem to agree.

You're a weakling.

Letting them beat you?

Disgraceful.

This is why you're alone...

Grinding his teeth together, he considered the proposal again. One month. Just one month. He could do that. He survived ten years in isolation, he could survive one month without any fun... Hopefully. No, no! He would make it. And then as soon as time was up, he'd get the hell out of this place.

Hesitantly, he looked up at Coyle before glancing around at the rest of the area, as if hoping a better solution to his problem would just fall from the sky.

"A-alright! Yeah, whatever," He mumbled, turning away.

This was definitely a better option than suicide, right? Right...

[ωΘĿƒ]

During Coyle's long-winded speech, Crane was able to sort a few things out...

The centaurs had not been happy with Coyle's display of power over their perennially green clearing. It was the heart of the forest, and one of their most sacred spots. As such, they could feel the very feet that tread upon it, and much more so when Coyle burned a hole into the ground.

That had not been fun at first, but Crane had dealt with it. He had run out of time quite a while ago... and it was now that insult upon injury was little to nothing in determining the consequences. They would be marginally the same regardless now.

He was technically no longer allowed to be here... but he decided against leaving. The outcome didn't look bright if he did.

"I think I'm going to anger the centaurs today, Mike."

"We'll send them a fruit basket, Daniel." Mike drolled, "Now please let's clean this mess up before someone gets killed."

Crane pulled down the shield spell with a snap. The reddish electrical walls receded into the ground and the sound of current-laden wire died down. The glow, however, remained; as did the large spot of burnt earth that Coyle had left in his wake. Crane walked up too it, stamping out the little fires on the individual patches of grass.

"Coyle?"

"Yup?" Coyle looked up from terrorizing Hendrix, smiling like a kid in a candy shop. "Ah, back at a hundred? Who'd you **** off?"

"Wrap it up please," Crane said, calmly. "There are more things to do."

The beast nodded happily, and was going to go back to his duties, however there was one last thing Crane needed him for.

"And Coyle?"

"What?!" the beast snapped. "Kinda busy here!"

Crane looked at the smoldering crater where the grass once grew, now a smoking, seething mess of melted organic material.

"Don't burn me..."

Coyle paused a second, following Crane's gaze. Then he gave a halfhearted chuckle.

"Oh yeah... I forgot."

As Coyle commenced with the finale of his speech, Crane bent down over the charred crater and touched the cinders. The surrounding grass crept over the gaping hole, closing the wound and renewing the ground with fresh new life.

So destructive...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Forest Spirits... So touchy. Coyle turned back to Hendrix with a renewed happy-face, and after thinking for a moment, he came up with his final act.

"Good. You can run along now. But oh! One last thing, just to make sure we're clear..."

Coyle bolted upright, bringing Hendrix along with him with a little yank from his artificial gravity. Now that they were both standing, Coyle could see that Hendrix was a bit taller than he was.

It was funny... you might think that the grown man might be less afraid of the softly angled child standing before him, but that was the beauty of this school wasn't it?

It's never what's skin deep. You gotta go deeper. Here, they judge you by what you are on the inside, and Coyle's insides were a lot bigger and badder than this little pervert's.

Coyle did a little finger magic, first flexing his fingers again, then holding them still, concentrating.

He was sure he'd left those scissors somewhere on the counter... Ah! There!

With a showy flourish of his hands, Coyle snatched the scissors and made them appear in his hands. In all reality it was some fancy plane-bending, but no one needed to know that!

Snipping them in front of Hendrix, Coyle let out a hiss.

"While I was watching you do that dirty deed I picked up on something interesting... You like your hair a lot, don't you?"

Coyle then proceeded to inch behind Hendrix and trim all those pretty locks of his.

...why yes. He was evil!