Academy of Villains: Now With 200% More Multiverse [IC]

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

"I dunno... She looks quite kill-able." Coilin said with a smile, and then stuck out his hand. "Coilin MacAengus. Pleasure."

"Uhm... Saira al-Shah... No speak... Good English." Saira replied, shaking his hand.

Coilin nodded, understanding, and then looked at Raven.

He blinked.

"Natalya, you're hurt..."

"It's not a problem," she said dismissively. "I was wounded during single combat with the latest addition to my blacklist."

Saira... has a past very similar to mine.

...Let's just say I freed her in the same way I freed myself.

I understand... You can show me later. Coilin responded.

He lightly took her hand. "It is a problem... You can't let those get infected. Come on, we should go to the infirmary." he said lightly.

Saira blushed a little at the show of affection.

[Kractero]

His arousal levels were increasing, she noted. He appeared to be very interested in her now, but the feeling wasn't mutual. He might be the first person she used her powers on since she arrived at the school. His mind was bustling with emotion, no doubt thinking about her. She had watched him intently as he pulled out his hand, seemingly expecting her to shake it.

She didn't, but held the gaze. "Are you a mute?"

And I thought I was mean. Huh... He heaved a deep inward sigh and removed his hand from her presence to behind his back where the other one was and locked his hands together. He took a step back from her and bowed slightly. "I am Stephen Hawks, my lady." his voice deep, like a rolling sea. His eyes never let hers and he stopped examining her for he had already analyzed her. He stood back up, his face still a blank expression, his eyes having calmed and less intense as before. He stood, still as a statue, waiting, and watching. The wind having stopped completely and a few thin white clouds coming into view from above.

Her face remained blank as he referred to her as "my lady," but internally, she was constantly scanning his lust and arousal levels like a meteorologist would a large storm. "I have no interest to actively pursue a romantic relationship with any male, especially not one I have just met. Or a platonic relationship. First impressions are everything, and the initial impression that you have impressed upon me is not a positive one in the slightest."

"When her application gets accepted," Marissa continues. "She's probably around the school in case. Or she could already be here. One of her powers is stealth."

James looks around "Seems great. I'm looking forward to meeting her. Wonder if that other student Venus has landed yet actually?" He rolls his eyes at Marissa's and Karl's romantic talk muttering something about gagging himself with a spoon.

"Venus? She's arrived," she replies, blushing slightly when she realized that she did her romantic banter in front of him. "She was looking for me, or so she texted. She's walking around the courtyard right now, looking for some courts to play on. She hasn't replied to me yet, there might be some unexpected turbulence or trouble...but I wouldn't worry."

[Charlia]

"It's not a problem," she said dismissively. "I was wounded during single combat with the latest addition to my blacklist."

Saira... has a past very similar to mine.

...Let's just say I freed her in the same way I freed myself.

I understand... You can show me later. Coilin responded.

He lightly took her hand. "It is a problem... You can't let those get infected. Come on, we should go to the infirmary." he said lightly.

Saira blushed a little at the show of affection.

"Saira, it's all right," Raven said softly. "I know you're not used to that sort of affection, but it's really all right. Coilin is... one of the few people I trust. There's nothing to fear now... no one to hurt you. And trust me, if there is, you saw what happened to the man at the plant. He was only the latest of five. If anyone tries to hurt you, they'll be number six."

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

I understand... You can show me later. Coilin responded.

He lightly took her hand. "It is a problem... You can't let those get infected. Come on, we should go to the infirmary." he said lightly.

Saira blushed a little at the show of affection.

"Saira, it's all right," Raven said softly. "I know you're not used to that sort of affection, but it's really all right. Coilin is... one of the few people I trust. There's nothing to fear now... no one to hurt you. And trust me, if there is, you saw what happened to the man at the plant. He was only the latest of five. If anyone tries to hurt you, they'll be number six."

Coilin scowled. "Natalya..." he said quietly. "DonInhave to drag you?"

Saira nodded, understanding. "I know... I'm just not used to... Man showing affection to woman..." she responded in Russian.

[Stattr]

And I thought I was mean. Huh... He heaved a deep inward sigh and removed his hand from her presence to behind his back where the other one was and locked his hands together. He took a step back from her and bowed slightly. "I am Stephen Hawks, my lady." his voice deep, like a rolling sea. His eyes never let hers and he stopped examining her for he had already analyzed her. He stood back up, his face still a blank expression, his eyes having calmed and less intense as before. He stood, still as a statue, waiting, and watching. The wind having stopped completely and a few thin white clouds coming into view from above.

Her face remained blank as he referred to her as "my lady," but internally, she was constantly scanning his lust and arousal levels like a meteorologist would a large storm. "I have no interest to actively pursue a romantic relationship with any male, especially not one I have just met. Or a platonic relationship. First impressions are everything, and the initial impression that you have impressed upon me is not a positive one in the slightest."

He stood in his place and just stared at her, no emotion. Where did that come from.... She had prompted him to speak more, he did not like this in the least, but in order to remain where he is, he must comply with words. "I don't date women, let alone have guy friends. What would make you think that I even wanted a partnership with you." The sky went from sunny to clouded in a mater of minuets, his levels of calmness were turning inside and he did his best to remain calm, but his eyes were sharper and more piercing than calm. Why did she have to accuse. Why...I didn't want to do anything... Just observe.. Women make everything difficult... His face twitched and a very small smile came across his face.

[Charlia]

"Saira, it's all right," Raven said softly. "I know you're not used to that sort of affection, but it's really all right. Coilin is... one of the few people I trust. There's nothing to fear now... no one to hurt you. And trust me, if there is, you saw what happened to the man at the plant. He was only the latest of five. If anyone tries to hurt you, they'll be number six."

Coilin scowled. "Natalya..." he said quietly. "DonInhave to drag you?"

Saira nodded, understanding. "I know... I'm just not used to... Man showing affection to woman..." she responded in Russian.

"Neither was I, Saira," Raven said, her head slightly bowed. "Neither was I."

Fine. Come on, then.

She tried to keep the memories out of her mind.

She couldn't think about the pain.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

Coilin scowled. "Natalya..." he said quietly. "DonInhave to drag you?"

Saira nodded, understanding. "I know... I'm just not used to... Man showing affection to woman..." she responded in Russian.

"Neither was I, Saira," Raven said, her head slightly bowed. "Neither was I."

Fine. Come on, then.

She tried to keep the memories out of her mind.

She couldn't think about the pain.

Coilin squeezed her hand. Focus on me, dear... Just focus on me.

"Do you want to follow us, Saira?" Coilin asked, looking at the new girl. She shook her head. "No... You two should have some alone time... And I need some as well..."

She walked off, leaving Coilin and Raven.

[Kractero]

Her face remained blank as he referred to her as "my lady," but internally, she was constantly scanning his lust and arousal levels like a meteorologist would a large storm. "I have no interest to actively pursue a romantic relationship with any male, especially not one I have just met. Or a platonic relationship. First impressions are everything, and the initial impression that you have impressed upon me is not a positive one in the slightest."

He stood in his place and just stared at her, no emotion. Where did that come from.... She had prompted him to speak more, he did not like this in the least, but in order to remain where he is, he must comply with words. "I don't date women, let alone have guy friends. What would make you think that I even wanted a partnership with you." The sky went from sunny to clouded in a mater of minuets, his levels of calmness were turning inside and he did his best to remain calm, but his eyes were sharper and more piercing than calm. Why did she have to accuse. Why...I didn't want to do anything... Just observe.. Women make everything difficult... His face twitched and a very small smile came across his face.

As the boy explained himself, Venus felt a vibration in her pocket. Must've been a response from Marissa. "I'm sorry, I may have been mistaken," she rephrased, not showing any emotion. "Analyzing your emotions had demonstrated a large amount of interest in me. Physically speaking. And with me initiating all the conversation, it leads me to think that your intentions of observing are not as pure as you would convince yourself to be." She brushed a hand through her blonde hair. "If you'll excuse me, I'd rather not be observed awkwardly. I have a tennis court to find and someone to meet." She turns to leave.

"And you smiled."

[Arstotzkas]

And I thought I was mean. Huh... He heaved a deep inward sigh and removed his hand from her presence to behind his back where the other one was and locked his hands together. He took a step back from her and bowed slightly. "I am Stephen Hawks, my lady." his voice deep, like a rolling sea. His eyes never let hers and he stopped examining her for he had already analyzed her. He stood back up, his face still a blank expression, his eyes having calmed and less intense as before. He stood, still as a statue, waiting, and watching. The wind having stopped completely and a few thin white clouds coming into view from above.

Her face remained blank as he referred to her as "my lady," but internally, she was constantly scanning his lust and arousal levels like a meteorologist would a large storm. "I have no interest to actively pursue a romantic relationship with any male, especially not one I have just met. Or a platonic relationship. First impressions are everything, and the initial impression that you have impressed upon me is not a positive one in the slightest."

James looks around "Seems great. I'm looking forward to meeting her. Wonder if that other student Venus has landed yet actually?" He rolls his eyes at Marissa's and Karl's romantic talk muttering something about gagging himself with a spoon.

"Venus? She's arrived," she replies, blushing slightly when she realized that she did her romantic banter in front of him. "She was looking for me, or so she texted. She's walking around the courtyard right now, looking for some courts to play on. She hasn't replied to me yet, there might be some unexpected turbulence or trouble...but I wouldn't worry."

James sighs " Well then, I guess I'll be off to go talk to Venus or something . By the way, tell me when the other student gets here, just as a little favor to me. Also, you could really work on your romantic banter. With that he walks off the to courtyards to find Venus and maybe play a good game of tennis too while he was at it.

[Stattr]

He stood in his place and just stared at her, no emotion. Where did that come from.... She had prompted him to speak more, he did not like this in the least, but in order to remain where he is, he must comply with words. "I don't date women, let alone have guy friends. What would make you think that I even wanted a partnership with you." The sky went from sunny to clouded in a mater of minuets, his levels of calmness were turning inside and he did his best to remain calm, but his eyes were sharper and more piercing than calm. Why did she have to accuse. Why...I didn't want to do anything... Just observe.. Women make everything difficult... His face twitched and a very small smile came across his face.

As the boy explained himself, Venus felt a vibration in her pocket. Must've been a response from Marissa. "I'm sorry, I may have been mistaken," she rephrased, not showing any emotion. "Analyzing your emotions had demonstrated a large amount of interest in me. Physically speaking. And with me initiating all the conversation, it leads me to think that your intentions of observing are not as pure as you would convince yourself to be." She brushed a hand through her blonde hair. "If you'll excuse me, I'd rather not be observed awkwardly. I have a tennis court to find and someone to meet." She turns to leave.

"And you smiled."

The smile faded. this woman just over thought everything. The sky got darker and it started to rain harshly, his hair went flat against his head and he stood in the rain and watched her go. He was very sad inside, for his intentions were not meant to be that. Her sight of him and getting that feeling only made him want to curl farther into his shell. He never talked to women and what this woman did to him, it hurt. He said nothing as she turned and responded to his smile to be looked upon like that.

As he turned a flash of lightning came down upon him and he was gone in that moment, the rain still pouring down onto the school and the outside. He was in his room, laying on his bed, his cloak hanging up to dray, his shirt was off also hanging up to dry and he was bent over his desk drawing the perfect storm.

[Doughertania]

Anton Greaves
Anton watched Meire, waiting for him to make his move. He really didn't want to harm him, at least not until he knew what was going on. The symbiote entered his mind, warning him of the impending attack and recommending options. But instead of dodging or countering and risk a brawl in his laboratory, he figured he'd take the hit. At best, Meire would leave. At worst, Anton'd have a clear shot at his back. He braced for impact, and felt the leathery wing shove him forcefully away, crashing into the wall. Meire gave a menacing bow, whispered something awful to Lucy, and left. Anton let the cross go back into a pouch on his uniform and breathed a sigh of relief. Crisis averted.

He watched as someone went to help him on his feet. He looked up, and was shocked to see it was Val, her mask contracted with a twinge of concern on her face. "Are you ok, Anton?" she asked, helping to pull him upright. Anton's mask melted away, and he gave her a little grin. "Nothing hurt but my pride." He replayed the events that had just transpired. Not only had they worked together as a team, they did so without undermining each other. She had even called him a friend! Sure, the rival would undoubtedly come back once there wasn't some threat to deal with, and he'd go back to dealing with teasing and arguing. But this moment showed the rival could still be a friend, someone you could rely on in tense situations.

"Val, I'll be honest. I thought for sure this was some scheme of yours to take my research. You had ample opportunities to hurt me or my work, and you didn't. So," He looked away slightly, trying to work up the courage to ask the question. "Did you still want to work together?" He hoped beyond hope she's say yes.

Jennifer asked if he was alright, and he nodded. Satisfied that he wasn't serious injured, she moved to check on the demoness. It was a smart move, one that he was about to do as well until he hear Poppy talking about Anastasia. She seemed to be taking it a little better than expected, managing to speak in calm manner. But what really caught his attention was the revelation that Raven was Anastasia's only daughter. He didn't know what disturbed him more. What Anastasia did to her own daughter, or what Raven did to her own mother. He was lucky. He parents literally gave their lives for him, sacrificing themselves to bond with the prime symbiote. It was one of the reasons he was so driven to stop these extra-dimensional threats, to make sure they hadn't suffered in vain.

His musing was cut short by what he heard around him. Kadus was speaking to Poppy. He felt a creeping sense of unease, but tried to let it pass. Unfortunately, what followed made his skin crawl.

"No one will, as long as you're here...well, apart from maybe Anton." Kadus finished, a look of mock concern across her face. Anton resisted the urge to shout then and there. He and Poppy had been through a lot in the last two weeks. Surely it'd be enough for her to resist Kadus's venomous tongue. But the more he listened, the more he realized Poppy wasn't holding up well after all the stress. Val and the demoness would have to wait. If he didn't act now, he could lose his assistant forever.

He clapped slowly and loudly, gathering the attention of Poppy and the snake who was trying to spirit her away. Once Kadus made eye contact with him, he gave a humorless laugh and spoke.

"You know, I've gotta say, I'm a little surprised. I expected the big bad cyborg to be direct, not slink like some cowardly worm." Anton walked over to the two, stopping at a close distance, talking all the while.

"You really tried your hardest though, didn't you? Bringing Anastasia here to shock Poppy, leave her reeling as two demons threatened to take out a chunk of the airship. Attacking her, sowing seeds of doubt whilst I try to save everyone in this lab. Attempting to lead her out of here when I was indisposed, unable to protect her from your manipulation. It's so petty it's almost comical!" Anton scoffed, shaking his head in disgust, then continued to stare at the conniving wretch he had let into his most sacred space.

"You never could get over it, could you? You couldn't win Poppy over by being honest, so you had to turn to this. A desperate attempt to get what you want, like a petulant infant who didn't get her way." Anton cocked his head, a look of pity on his face "It'd be adorable, if it wasn't so pathetic."

He turned to Poppy, her face stained with tears, looking from person to person. He wanted more than anything to grab her, wipe the tears from her eyes, hold her close and tell her that it was alright, that he would never betray her like that. But he couldn't. Not yet. First he had to dig out the seeds before they took root.

"Poppy, stop and think for a moment. When have I ever hurt you? When have I ever forced you to do anything? What reason have I ever given you to doubt me?"

He gestured to the bed, more tree than cot now, with vines that creeped along the bed posts and flowers in full bloom, adorning the top bunk with care. "Remember when we built that? I set aside the whole day for you. Didn't do a single experiment for 24 hours. But you didn't like the barren room, so we created an oasis here. I installed supports for the plants, hidden means to keep them watered and fed, and you filled the empty metal skeleton with life."

He gestured toward the door. "Or how about the garden in the gym? I set that up too. You wanted to fill every square inch of that room with foliage. Turn it into a jungle! I had to make a formal petition to the officials to allow to happen. And I did. I even made canopies and shelves to increase the amount of plants you could have. Besides, the plants are already there anyway. The staff will welcome a fence to keep themselves from tripping over stay vines."

Anton pointed his finger at Kadus. "And what has she done for you? She's beat you, slapped you because you dared hesitate to gas two people you barely knew. She's berated you, yelling at you for trying to leave your life as someone's tool behind. And now she's manipulated you, bringing the one person she knew would make you panic. And in the end, isn't that what Anastasia did to you? Abuse you, physically and mentally, attempting to break you body and soul so she could repurpose you as her weapon? Manipulating you into killing your best friend? Kadus is doing the exact same things you've already escaped from. Don't let it happen again."

"Besides," he said with a small smile. "If you leave, who's going to steal all my candy?"

He extended an arm, offering her his embrace. He looked into her eyes, confident his words and actions would lead her to the right choice. "Come on Poppy," he said gently, "I'm not going to force myself on you, but if you come to me I promise I'll take care of you. After all, that's what friends are for." He waited for her response, willing to accept it one way or another.

Remembering Kadus, he turned his head to her, his face growing dark. "Poppy, I refuse to control you. If you want to still talk to Kadus, after everything she's done, that's up to you. But I'll be damned if I let this treacherous witch in my lab again." Pointing his hand towards the cyborg, Anton concluded. "I want you out of here. Now. And if I ever catch you in my lab again without my expressed permission, I will destroy you." He spoke these last words with deadly seriousness.

Anton had been worried that Kadus would be a threat for a while now. She had been clearly upset when she was unable to take Poppy from Anton, and had a special dislike for him ever since. And now here she was, clearly trying to attack him, albeit verbally rather than physically. But it mattered not, he thought, as a small lump began working it's way up across his side and into his free forearm, resting at his wrist. If Kadus tried anything, he'd hit her with his contingency plan. He didn't care how strong her titanium was, she wouldn't walk away from this unscathed.

[CoraSpia]

"Such a horribly predictable response," Kadus said, her face unreadable as she observed Anton. "Somebody exposes your lies, and you tthreaten them. You create false information. You present yourself as an amazing saviour...when really what you're doing is using her for your own personal gain." She sighed, in mock disappointment.
"You know, when I first saw you I didn't think you belonged here," she said. "i'd done something wrong. I hit Poppy when I had no real cause to, save that I was angry, and you acted in a way I thought admirable, and for a while you continued acting so. But then I saw the security camera video...the one where you were talking to one of the staff about the plants in the gym. What was it you called it? Oh yes...a temporary inconvenience? You know, in this school their are a few people I believe really are not villains who belong her. But you...I don't know about anybody else, but I think that someone who lies and cheets to get his own way time and time again isn't even worthy of the title of a villain."
Kadus knew she was taking a risk: Karl, after all, had not made the encriminating video yet. She was sure, however, that she would merely have to ask.

[Kractero]

"I'm done here," Niko proclaims, awkwardly. He backs into the hallway, rolling the wheelchair Anastasia was in with him. "It's time for a therapeutic session. I just have to watch out for Raven."

[Charlia]

"Neither was I, Saira," Raven said, her head slightly bowed. "Neither was I."

Fine. Come on, then.

She tried to keep the memories out of her mind.

She couldn't think about the pain.

Coilin squeezed her hand. Focus on me, dear... Just focus on me.

"Do you want to follow us, Saira?" Coilin asked, looking at the new girl. She shook her head. "No... You two should have some alone time... And I need some as well..."

She walked off, leaving Coilin and Raven.

Raven looked worried, but managed to calm down.

"We should... go, then."

Anton Greaves
"No one will, as long as you're here...well, apart from maybe Anton." Kadus finished, a look of mock concern across her face. Anton resisted the urge to shout then and there. He and Poppy had been through a lot in the last two weeks. Surely it'd be enough for her to resist Kadus's venomous tongue. But the more he listened, the more he realized Poppy wasn't holding up well after all the stress. Val and the demoness would have to wait. If he didn't act now, he could lose his assistant forever.

He clapped slowly and loudly, gathering the attention of Poppy and the snake who was trying to spirit her away. Once Kadus made eye contact with him, he gave a humorless laugh and spoke.

"You know, I've gotta say, I'm a little surprised. I expected the big bad cyborg to be direct, not slink like some cowardly worm." Anton walked over to the two, stopping at a close distance, talking all the while.

"You really tried your hardest though, didn't you? Bringing Anastasia here to shock Poppy, leave her reeling as two demons threatened to take out a chunk of the airship. Attacking her, sowing seeds of doubt whilst I try to save everyone in this lab. Attempting to lead her out of here when I was indisposed, unable to protect her from your manipulation. It's so petty it's almost comical!" Anton scoffed, shaking his head in disgust, then continued to stare at the conniving wretch he had let into his most sacred space.

"You never could get over it, could you? You couldn't win Poppy over by being honest, so you had to turn to this. A desperate attempt to get what you want, like a petulant infant who didn't get her way." Anton cocked his head, a look of pity on his face "It'd be adorable, if it wasn't so pathetic."

He turned to Poppy, her face stained with tears, looking from person to person. He wanted more than anything to grab her, wipe the tears from her eyes, hold her close and tell her that it was alright, that he would never betray her like that. But he couldn't. Not yet. First he had to dig out the seeds before they took root.

"Poppy, stop and think for a moment. When have I ever hurt you? When have I ever forced you to do anything? What reason have I ever given you to doubt me?"

He gestured to the bed, more tree than cot now, with vines that creeped along the bed posts and flowers in full bloom, adorning the top bunk with care. "Remember when we built that? I set aside the whole day for you. Didn't do a single experiment for 24 hours. But you didn't like the barren room, so we created an oasis here. I installed supports for the plants, hidden means to keep them watered and fed, and you filled the empty metal skeleton with life."

He gestured toward the door. "Or how about the garden in the gym? I set that up too. You wanted to fill every square inch of that room with foliage. Turn it into a jungle! I had to make a formal petition to the officials to allow to happen. And I did. I even made canopies and shelves to increase the amount of plants you could have. Besides, the plants are already there anyway. The staff will welcome a fence to keep themselves from tripping over stay vines."

Anton pointed his finger at Kadus. "And what has she done for you? She's beat you, slapped you because you dared hesitate to gas two people you barely knew. She's berated you, yelling at you for trying to leave your life as someone's tool behind. And now she's manipulated you, bringing the one person she knew would make you panic. And in the end, isn't that what Anastasia did to you? Abuse you, physically and mentally, attempting to break you body and soul so she could repurpose you as her weapon? Manipulating you into killing your best friend? Kadus is doing the exact same things you've already escaped from. Don't let it happen again."

"Besides," he said with a small smile. "If you leave, who's going to steal all my candy?"

He extended an arm, offering her his embrace. He looked into her eyes, confident his words and actions would lead her to the right choice. "Come on Poppy," he said gently, "I'm not going to force myself on you, but if you come to me I promise I'll take care of you. After all, that's what friends are for." He waited for her response, willing to accept it one way or another.

Poppy's head was spinning. Part of her wanted to hug him tightly and apologize for ever doubting him. She remembered the things he had done for her. The gardens. He had helped her create the gardens, filled her life with plants again. The one thing that was always comforting, that always made her happy. Her plants. And he had helped her bring them back.

A small smile crept across her face as he mentioned stealing his candy. That was a good memory. She'd only had the nerve to do it because she trusted him. Otherwise, the thought of such a thing would have terrified her.

She trusted him.

How could she ever have doubted?

And Kadus... Kadus was hardly any better than Anastasia. She didn't want Poppy to be happy. She only wanted the girl to be her pawn. Anton wanted her to be happy.

(She wanted him to be happy too.)

She stood up slowly and hugged Anton, crying, and glaring at Kadus out of the corner of her eye.

"'m sorry..." she wept. "Sorry I doubted you..."

How could I ever have thought...

Then she heard Kadus's words.

"What?" she said in disbelief. "What are you talking about?"

She couldn't believe what Kadus was saying.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

Coilin squeezed her hand. Focus on me, dear... Just focus on me.

"Do you want to follow us, Saira?" Coilin asked, looking at the new girl. She shook her head. "No... You two should have some alone time... And I need some as well..."

She walked off, leaving Coilin and Raven.

Raven looked worried, but managed to calm down.

"We should... go, then."

Anton Greaves
"No one will, as long as you're here...well, apart from maybe Anton." Kadus finished, a look of mock concern across her face. Anton resisted the urge to shout then and there. He and Poppy had been through a lot in the last two weeks. Surely it'd be enough for her to resist Kadus's venomous tongue. But the more he listened, the more he realized Poppy wasn't holding up well after all the stress. Val and the demoness would have to wait. If he didn't act now, he could lose his assistant forever.

He clapped slowly and loudly, gathering the attention of Poppy and the snake who was trying to spirit her away. Once Kadus made eye contact with him, he gave a humorless laugh and spoke.

"You know, I've gotta say, I'm a little surprised. I expected the big bad cyborg to be direct, not slink like some cowardly worm." Anton walked over to the two, stopping at a close distance, talking all the while.

"You really tried your hardest though, didn't you? Bringing Anastasia here to shock Poppy, leave her reeling as two demons threatened to take out a chunk of the airship. Attacking her, sowing seeds of doubt whilst I try to save everyone in this lab. Attempting to lead her out of here when I was indisposed, unable to protect her from your manipulation. It's so petty it's almost comical!" Anton scoffed, shaking his head in disgust, then continued to stare at the conniving wretch he had let into his most sacred space.

"You never could get over it, could you? You couldn't win Poppy over by being honest, so you had to turn to this. A desperate attempt to get what you want, like a petulant infant who didn't get her way." Anton cocked his head, a look of pity on his face "It'd be adorable, if it wasn't so pathetic."

He turned to Poppy, her face stained with tears, looking from person to person. He wanted more than anything to grab her, wipe the tears from her eyes, hold her close and tell her that it was alright, that he would never betray her like that. But he couldn't. Not yet. First he had to dig out the seeds before they took root.

"Poppy, stop and think for a moment. When have I ever hurt you? When have I ever forced you to do anything? What reason have I ever given you to doubt me?"

He gestured to the bed, more tree than cot now, with vines that creeped along the bed posts and flowers in full bloom, adorning the top bunk with care. "Remember when we built that? I set aside the whole day for you. Didn't do a single experiment for 24 hours. But you didn't like the barren room, so we created an oasis here. I installed supports for the plants, hidden means to keep them watered and fed, and you filled the empty metal skeleton with life."

He gestured toward the door. "Or how about the garden in the gym? I set that up too. You wanted to fill every square inch of that room with foliage. Turn it into a jungle! I had to make a formal petition to the officials to allow to happen. And I did. I even made canopies and shelves to increase the amount of plants you could have. Besides, the plants are already there anyway. The staff will welcome a fence to keep themselves from tripping over stay vines."

Anton pointed his finger at Kadus. "And what has she done for you? She's beat you, slapped you because you dared hesitate to gas two people you barely knew. She's berated you, yelling at you for trying to leave your life as someone's tool behind. And now she's manipulated you, bringing the one person she knew would make you panic. And in the end, isn't that what Anastasia did to you? Abuse you, physically and mentally, attempting to break you body and soul so she could repurpose you as her weapon? Manipulating you into killing your best friend? Kadus is doing the exact same things you've already escaped from. Don't let it happen again."

"Besides," he said with a small smile. "If you leave, who's going to steal all my candy?"

He extended an arm, offering her his embrace. He looked into her eyes, confident his words and actions would lead her to the right choice. "Come on Poppy," he said gently, "I'm not going to force myself on you, but if you come to me I promise I'll take care of you. After all, that's what friends are for." He waited for her response, willing to accept it one way or another.

Poppy's head was spinning. Part of her wanted to hug him tightly and apologize for ever doubting him. She remembered the things he had done for her. The gardens. He had helped her create the gardens, filled her life with plants again. The one thing that was always comforting, that always made her happy. Her plants. And he had helped her bring them back.

A small smile crept across her face as he mentioned stealing his candy. That was a good memory. She'd only had the nerve to do it because she trusted him. Otherwise, the thought of such a thing would have terrified her.

She trusted him.

How could she ever have doubted?

And Kadus... Kadus was hardly any better than Anastasia. She didn't want Poppy to be happy. She only wanted the girl to be her pawn. Anton wanted her to be happy.

(She wanted him to be happy too.)

She stood up slowly and hugged Anton, crying, and glaring at Kadus out of the corner of her eye.

"'m sorry..." she wept. "Sorry I doubted you..."

How could I ever have thought...

Coilin kissed her hand gently, and then started rolling forward, toward the infirmary. "So, how did it go?"

[The Dystopian Isles of Frisct]

Dante turned to Orson before going out into the hallway. "Do you wanna come with me to find some other people? Sticky spit can come too if he wants to. Personally, I would like to explore the rest of the area and try to find more people." He walked out of his room and into the hallway, looking down both directions to see which way he was gonna go, and decided to just wander around until he found somebody new. The sheathe for his sword clinked against his holsters fr his guns as he walked around.

[Charlia]

Raven looked worried, but managed to calm down.

"We should... go, then."Poppy's head was spinning. Part of her wanted to hug him tightly and apologize for ever doubting him. She remembered the things he had done for her. The gardens. He had helped her create the gardens, filled her life with plants again. The one thing that was always comforting, that always made her happy. Her plants. And he had helped her bring them back.

A small smile crept across her face as he mentioned stealing his candy. That was a good memory. She'd only had the nerve to do it because she trusted him. Otherwise, the thought of such a thing would have terrified her.

She trusted him.

How could she ever have doubted?

And Kadus... Kadus was hardly any better than Anastasia. She didn't want Poppy to be happy. She only wanted the girl to be her pawn. Anton wanted her to be happy.

(She wanted him to be happy too.)

She stood up slowly and hugged Anton, crying, and glaring at Kadus out of the corner of her eye.

"'m sorry..." she wept. "Sorry I doubted you..."

How could I ever have thought...

Coilin kissed her hand gently, and then started rolling forward, toward the infirmary. "So, how did it go?"

"According to some bastard calling himself Derek, not well." She rolled her eyes. "But I got Saira out of there and I got to kill the guy who apparently made it all possible, so... I call it a victory."

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

Coilin kissed her hand gently, and then started rolling forward, toward the infirmary. "So, how did it go?"

"According to some bastard calling himself Derek, not well." She rolled her eyes. "But I got Saira out of there and I got to kill the guy who apparently made it all possible, so... I call it a victory."

"I think I would as well... Did you destroy the generators?" Coilin asked, looking up at her with a small smile.

[Kractero]

Val broke into a small smile as she helped him up, his emotionless mask had seemingly shattered when she helped him up to his feet. He was getting too serious lately, she noted, and all her teasing and joking were made in attempts to alleviate that. And working with him, being so close to him felt so natural, like they were now. She was hoping to replay the question that she had asked before, to work together again, to confirm it, after it had been delayed by the arrival of Lucy and the retaliation of Meire.

"Did you still want to work together?" he asked it for her.

She gave a slight pause before responding to him. "I wouldn't have to 'borrow' your research if we started to work together again, right?" She was afraid he would decline it, or be too afraid to muster up the courage to give her a yes, but it seemed like the feeling was mutual. She really wanted to work with him again...only for the information.

Staying a bit behind Anton, she was watching the events involving Poppy, Kadus, and Anastasia transpire, slightly confused when Anton decided to jump in. She had her parasite pick up the words, and Kadus was trying to destroy Poppy's relationship with Anton. Which was good...and bad. Good in the sense that Val would finally retake her former position as his only lab partner, until he attracts someone else with his kindness, and bad in the sense she didn't want someone to feel the pain she felt when she left him, or deal with an angry Anton or one that was emotionally depressed.

But she really just wanted the answer.

Val's cheeks turned a twinge of red when Poppy hugs him. Was she jealous? No. She wasn't. It was because Poppy would probably get in the way of her and Anton when they worked. Yes, that was why. Not because she didn't want to share Ant-the information she was researching with him. Finding herself looking too long, she averts her gaze. He was too damn chivalrous.

---

[Archembalt]

Dante turned to Orson before going out into the hallway. "Do you wanna come with me to find some other people? Sticky spit can come too if he wants to. Personally, I would like to explore the rest of the area and try to find more people." He walked out of his room and into the hallway, looking down both directions to see which way he was gonna go, and decided to just wander around until he found somebody new. The sheathe for his sword clinked against his holsters fr his guns as he walked around.

"Hm? Oh, sure. So far, you two," he began, nodding to both Amar and Dante, "are the only people I know. It definitely wouldn't hurt to try and meet more people, try and find out what kind of fellows lurk about an academy for villains . . . " Orson's tone seemed to be tinged with some comical drawl, as if expecting future interactions to either be more hostile or abnormal.

Orson went to follow Dante as he exited his room, beckoning towards Amar. "You should come too, man. We could get a wolf pack going." He snickered.

This is more like it. It's still not what I'm used to, but whatever. I wonder why this guy has weapons on him, anyway. We're in a rather safe place, aren't we? I guess you can never be too prepared. Hmph.

Orson's thoughts were soon converted into words as he made an inquiry directed at Dante. "So, why are you carrying weapons out right now when walking through the halls? Are you afraid something dangerous might happen? I mean, personally, I think it'd be somewhat safe -- I don't really know. Do you think I should get some weapons, just in case?"

If there is an armory, it'd probably be heavily guarded. They might allow students and teachers to take -- Wait, well . . . No, definitely not students. Why would they let adolescents like ourselves get a hold of weapons? We could just start killing each other. Then again, we could probably kill each other without weapons, anyway. I wonder how this whole system works. Must work somehow, though.

[Charlia]

"According to some bastard calling himself Derek, not well." She rolled her eyes. "But I got Saira out of there and I got to kill the guy who apparently made it all possible, so... I call it a victory."

"I think I would as well... Did you destroy the generators?" Coilin asked, looking up at her with a small smile.

"It was unimportant," she said with a scowl, "compared to rescuing Saira from that godforsaken hell."

A look of fury crossed her face.

"They were using her as a slave, Coilin. The look in her eyes... I know that look so well. Those bastards..."

She actually found herself crying.

"How can people be so cruel?"

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

"I think I would as well... Did you destroy the generators?" Coilin asked, looking up at her with a small smile.

"It was unimportant," she said with a scowl, "compared to rescuing Saira from that godforsaken hell."

A look of fury crossed her face.

"They were using her as a slave, Coilin. The look in her eyes... I know that look so well. Those bastards..."

She actually found herself crying.

"How can people be so cruel?"

Coilin stopped and tried to get her to sit down again, in the chair he made like earlier. "Shh... It's okay Raven...." he whispered, also trying to settle and calm her down.

[Charlia]

"It was unimportant," she said with a scowl, "compared to rescuing Saira from that godforsaken hell."

A look of fury crossed her face.

"They were using her as a slave, Coilin. The look in her eyes... I know that look so well. Those bastards..."

She actually found herself crying.

"How can people be so cruel?"

Coilin stopped and tried to get her to sit down again, in the chair he made like earlier. "Shh... It's okay Raven...." he whispered, also trying to settle and calm her down.

"No, it's not okay," she said bitterly. "How many people like me and Saira are still out there? How many people suffer like that every day with no one to notice or care? People just walk on by and don't want to get involved, or they don't even see because they don't want to see. And it's horrible, it's... I just... I can't stand it, Coilin. How uncaring people can be. It's not right."

[Kractero]

Venus still couldn't determine the location of the tennis courts, the courtyard was too vast. She didn't want to cross paths with that Stephen figure either. She felt some pity for him, he seemed truly hurt, but lust isn't rewarded with happiness. She returned to her room to change back into more suitable clothing, leaving her shorts on but put on a jacket, and walked back into the halls to search for Marissa.

While walking through the halls, she was blocked by a slight roadblock in the form of three males. One who appeared to be Black, one Middle-Eastern, and one that looked European. Facial features says Italian. She leans against the wall, having all the time in the world to wait.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

Coilin stopped and tried to get her to sit down again, in the chair he made like earlier. "Shh... It's okay Raven...." he whispered, also trying to settle and calm her down.

"No, it's not okay," she said bitterly. "How many people like me and Saira are still out there? How many people suffer like that every day with no one to notice or care? People just walk on by and don't want to get involved, or they don't even see because they don't want to see. And it's horrible, it's... I just... I can't stand it, Coilin. How uncaring people can be. It's not right."

Coilin rolled next to her in a way that allowed him to hug her, and he did so. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, and kissed her cheek. "Because humans are base, horrible creatures... They only see what benefits them, the closest bath to self-gratification. Not all humans are like that... Like you, me, and Saora, like a lot of other, random people are. But, the overwhelming majority of humanity... They're animals. Uncivilized things that play at being intelligent and sentient..." he whispered, shaking his head slowly.

"And it's our job to save our people, the caring ones, from those uncaring masses, and raise them up to where they should be... Next to us, above those imbeciles."