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

[Charlia]

"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."

She let the words sink in, and nodded slowly.

"Thank you," she whispered. "...you're right, about that."

...How do you always know exactly what to say?

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

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."

She let the words sink in, and nodded slowly.

"Thank you," she whispered. "...you're right, about that."

...How do you always know exactly what to say?

Coilin rubbed her back comfortingly and separated, breaking the hug. "Hmm... I dunno. Because I... Lo... Love you." he said, stuttering a little at 'love'.

[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.

"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.

Dante put his hands on his guns gently and held them there for a second. "Most of the time these weapons don't serve as things to kill with, at least not when I'm having to do business with them. They serve more as a reminder than anything." He in holstered one of the guns and showed the side to Orson. A holographic monitor popped out and showed him some numbers. Kills: Confirmed - 276 Unconfirmed - 489. "I had them made to count how many people have died by them. These numbers are only for this gun though. I can only keep track of the people who have died by my sword, so I made the guns count their own kills."

[Skyline United]

Lucy remained where she was on the floor, hugging her knees with her eyes wide from fear and her entire body trembling. What Meire said had struck her where it hurts. Her mind just couldn't handle the thought, so it resulted in fear. "N-no..." she mumbled as tears began to run down her face. "I'm a disgrace... A worthless, pathetic creature. That is why father never loved me..." she finished, her voice no louder than a whisper.

[Charlia]

She let the words sink in, and nodded slowly.

"Thank you," she whispered. "...you're right, about that."

...How do you always know exactly what to say?

Coilin rubbed her back comfortingly and separated, breaking the hug. "Hmm... I dunno. Because I... Lo... Love you." he said, stuttering a little at 'love'.

She smiled at him, and nodded.

"I love you too, Coilin..."

And I'm glad that I can trust you.

[Archembalt]

"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.

Dante put his hands on his guns gently and held them there for a second. "Most of the time these weapons don't serve as things to kill with, at least not when I'm having to do business with them. They serve more as a reminder than anything." He in holstered one of the guns and showed the side to Orson. A holographic monitor popped out and showed him some numbers. Kills: Confirmed - 276 Unconfirmed - 489. "I had them made to count how many people have died by them. These numbers are only for this gun though. I can only keep track of the people who have died by my sword, so I made the guns count their own kills."

Orson's expression turned horribly static and paled slightly when Dante previewed the holographic feature of his gun. He didn't know what to be more startled by -- the fact that Dante had killed so many people, the fact that he tallied the number of people he's killed over time, or that this seemingly normal teen could have been capable of eradicating that amount of life.

"O-Oh . . . " he stuttered, bringing a hand up to the back of his head, allowing his fingers to interweave with his dreadlocks. "You've . . . certainly done . . . a lot, huh?"

Simmer down. Regain composure. Breathe? No. Try and steady it.

Orson seemed to be troubled by this, though he had to resist the reaction. Steadily, the color and animation returned to his face and additionally gave a curt nod in response to Dante.

Ask a question.

"So, you really have killed quite the number of people, huh? Do you, uhm . . . why do you take count of how many people you've killed, if that's alright to ask?"

[Kractero]

Lucy remained where she was on the floor, hugging her knees with her eyes wide from fear and her entire body trembling. What Meire said had struck her where it hurts. Her mind just couldn't handle the thought, so it resulted in fear. "N-no..." she mumbled as tears began to run down her face. "I'm a disgrace... A worthless, pathetic creature. That is why father never loved me..." she finished, her voice no louder than a whisper.

Niko had seemingly forgot about the demoness. He walks up to her and extends her a hand.

"Come to the infirmary. Slight stop at the E.R. Room though."

[Unified Free Lands]

When the whole Eta team plus Derek and the new recruits landed in the Jupiter's alternate hangar(the main one was the site of an ongoing battle), they were quickly greeted by an announcement from the address system. "All agents from the recent mission, please report to Assembly Area C for a debriefing. Except for Agents Furan and Jovanovic, please report to the office of Misses Muunokhoi."

Honor sighed and left the dropship, searching for the right assembly room, while Derek groaned and got up to go to the office.

[Charlia]

When the whole Eta team plus Derek and the new recruits landed in the Jupiter's alternate hangar(the main one was the site of an ongoing battle), they were quickly greeted by an announcement from the address system. "All agents from the recent mission, please report to Assembly Area C for a debriefing. Except for Agents Furan and Jovanovic, please report to the office of Misses Muunokhoi."

Honor sighed and left the dropship, searching for the right assembly room, while Derek groaned and got up to go to the office.

Frowning, Raven stood and left Coilin's side.

This is going to be... interesting.

She made sure to keep a hand near her blades.

[Bycrest]

When the whole Eta team plus Derek and the new recruits landed in the Jupiter's alternate hangar(the main one was the site of an ongoing battle), they were quickly greeted by an announcement from the address system. "All agents from the recent mission, please report to Assembly Area C for a debriefing. Except for Agents Furan and Jovanovic, please report to the office of Misses Muunokhoi."

Honor sighed and left the dropship, searching for the right assembly room, while Derek groaned and got up to go to the office.

Zayne left the dropship and headed for the assembly room. He more or less knew what was going to happen when they got in and there wasn't a speck of guilt to be found on him. Even though they hadn't done the main objective of the mission, he thought they did a decent job of killing a lot of people, which was fine to him. All out war never appealed to Zayne as he thought it was a waste of time and resources.

[The Dystopian Isles of Frisct]

Dante put his hands on his guns gently and held them there for a second. "Most of the time these weapons don't serve as things to kill with, at least not when I'm having to do business with them. They serve more as a reminder than anything." He in holstered one of the guns and showed the side to Orson. A holographic monitor popped out and showed him some numbers. Kills: Confirmed - 276 Unconfirmed - 489. "I had them made to count how many people have died by them. These numbers are only for this gun though. I can only keep track of the people who have died by my sword, so I made the guns count their own kills."

Orson's expression turned horribly static and paled slightly when Dante previewed the holographic feature of his gun. He didn't know what to be more startled by -- the fact that Dante had killed so many people, the fact that he tallied the number of people he's killed over time, or that this seemingly normal teen could have been capable of eradicating that amount of life.

"O-Oh . . . " he stuttered, bringing a hand up to the back of his head, allowing his fingers to interweave with his dreadlocks. "You've . . . certainly done . . . a lot, huh?"

Simmer down. Regain composure. Breathe? No. Try and steady it.

Orson seemed to be troubled by this, though he had to resist the reaction. Steadily, the color and animation returned to his face and additionally gave a curt nod in response to Dante.

Ask a question.

"So, you really have killed quite the number of people, huh? Do you, uhm . . . why do you take count of how many people you've killed, if that's alright to ask?"

"I take count so that I can remember. If I lose track of how many people I've killed, then that means I've stopped caring about life. I may be a bad person that can be hired for the most gruesome jobs, but I still have at least a little humanity left in me. If it comes down to certain things however, I can extinguish that humanity in less than a nanosecond. I would rather not become a mindless killing machine, but I will become what is required of me at the current moment in time, whether it be a kind gentleman, or a super blood-crazed killer." He holstered his gun after the holographic monitor disappeared and looked at Orson. "You ask me why I keep track of the people I kill, but I must ask you why you refrain from killing, even though there is a way to end a life without spilling blood in your case."

[Unified Free Lands]

When Raven and Derek reached the office, it was empty. It was a very neat and organized office, a desk in the middle but with no messy stacks of paper like one may expect. There were file cabinets along the wall but not much was out in the open. Derek just sat down in the one chair next to the desk, leaving Raven to stand.

[Charlia]

When Raven and Derek reached the office, it was empty. It was a very neat and organized office, a desk in the middle but with no messy stacks of paper like one may expect. There were file cabinets along the wall but not much was out in the open. Derek just sat down in the one chair next to the desk, leaving Raven to stand.

Not that she cared. She was used to discomfort.

Well. Discomfort being a severe understatement.

"Can we get this over with?" she said in a bored tone. "I already know how this is going to go, and there's little point in delaying."

[Skyline United]

Lucy remained where she was on the floor, hugging her knees with her eyes wide from fear and her entire body trembling. What Meire said had struck her where it hurts. Her mind just couldn't handle the thought, so it resulted in fear. "N-no..." she mumbled as tears began to run down her face. "I'm a disgrace... A worthless, pathetic creature. That is why father never loved me..." she finished, her voice no louder than a whisper.

Niko had seemingly forgot about the demoness. He walks up to her and extends her a hand.

"Come to the infirmary. Slight stop at the E.R. Room though."

She nervously looked up at him and slowly reached out for his hand. After what just happened, why would he care enough to help her? Humans... They always seemed fascinating to her, this is why. Even beings with human-like minds tend to do acts of kindness unconditionally.

[Archembalt]

Orson's expression turned horribly static and paled slightly when Dante previewed the holographic feature of his gun. He didn't know what to be more startled by -- the fact that Dante had killed so many people, the fact that he tallied the number of people he's killed over time, or that this seemingly normal teen could have been capable of eradicating that amount of life.

"O-Oh . . . " he stuttered, bringing a hand up to the back of his head, allowing his fingers to interweave with his dreadlocks. "You've . . . certainly done . . . a lot, huh?"

Simmer down. Regain composure. Breathe? Yeah, yeah. Try and steady it.

Orson seemed to be troubled by this, though he had to resist the reaction. Steadily, the color and animation returned to his face and additionally gave a curt nod in response to Dante.

Ask a question.

"So, you really have killed quite the number of people, huh? Do you, uhm . . . why do you take count of how many people you've killed, if that's alright to ask?"

"I take count so that I can remember. If I lose track of how many people I've killed, then that means I've stopped caring about life. I may be a bad person that can be hired for the most gruesome jobs, but I still have at least a little humanity left in me. If it comes down to certain things however, I can extinguish that humanity in less than a nanosecond. I would rather not become a mindless killing machine, but I will become what is required of me at the current moment in time, whether it be a kind gentleman, or a super blood-crazed killer." He holstered his gun after the holographic monitor disappeared and looked at Orson. "You ask me why I keep track of the people I kill, but I must ask you why you refrain from killing, even though there is a way to end a life without spilling blood in your case."

"Oh, well . . . " Orson struggled to find what words he should say. His answer couldn't be mediocre, but he also didn't want to reveal too much of why he didn't kill.

"Well, I just think that ending lives causes unnecessary strife, really. Cycle of violence and all that. Besides, I'm not the kind of guy who can handle being chased day in and day out by people who want to avenge their fallen ally or friend. I imagine that'd get tiring. Instead, I decide to . . . 'restrain' myself from ending lives so that life is easier for myself. I suppose it's a win-win situation? Unless people take advantage of my creed, in which case I'm definitely in trouble. I don't know, man . . . I guess I'm just too soft? I really don't revel in seeing organs and bones strewn about floors and rooms. When I do kill someone, I think I'll make things cleaner. Swift and painless. No suffering. Just get rid of the problem and move on."

Orson finished his response with a lighthearted shrug, looking down at his feet.

When the whole Eta team plus Derek and the new recruits landed in the Jupiter's alternate hangar(the main one was the site of an ongoing battle), they were quickly greeted by an announcement from the address system. "All agents from the recent mission, please report to Assembly Area C for a debriefing. Except for Agents Furan and Jovanovic, please report to the office of Misses Muunokhoi."

Honor sighed and left the dropship, searching for the right assembly room, while Derek groaned and got up to go to the office.

Orson, already jumpy from the previous conversation with Dante, lurched his head back once the announcement began. He let out a sigh and then turned to both of the boys flanking him.


"Hm. Wonder what that means. Probably just going to receive a scolding for that horrible mission, though. I'll see you two later."

Orson gave the two boys a polite wave before heading down the halls. After noticing Venus and eyeing her features briefly, he lowered his head down as if to try and avoid eye contact. Maybe he was shy, or just not in the mood to greet another stranger. He had hoped that she would not take his lack of contact to be a rude gesture. The last thing Orson needed was someone who found him to be vexing in the slight. In a place such as this, with killers and criminals of all sorts, he knew that irking someone moderately could spell certain death. The abilities of this new class were too diverse. How was he to know what one student might be capable of just by looking at them? It was simply too risky to make enemies.

However, Orson did make a small mental note of noticing how attractive the woman he just passed was.

Looks 'normal' to me. Could try talking to her later.

He went to navigate about the twisting and turning halls before arriving at Assembly Area C.

[Arstotzkas]

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.

James walks around the hallway, looking for Venus. After casually strolling for a little while, he notices a female leaning against the wall. Oh wow, she looks amazing James quietly thinks This might be more difficult than I imagined. James walks up to Venus and asks her with a stutter that he hadn't had for a while "Um, h-hi. Are you the new student Venus?"

[Unified Free Lands]

When Raven and Derek reached the office, it was empty. It was a very neat and organized office, a desk in the middle but with no messy stacks of paper like one may expect. There were file cabinets along the wall but not much was out in the open. Derek just sat down in the one chair next to the desk, leaving Raven to stand.

Not that she cared. She was used to discomfort.

Well. Discomfort being a severe understatement.

"Can we get this over with?" she said in a bored tone. "I already know how this is going to go, and there's little point in delaying."

"Sorry for the delay, I had to stop and pick something up first," stated a voice that seemed to appear behind them, Jazz. "But I'll get to you second... Derek, you just had a mission but we're sending you right back out. To Yellowknife, Canada, which is the closest city to an unidentifiable object that just crashed through the atmosphere and landed somewhere in the Northwest Territories. It could have materials that are valuable to us, we're sending you to track down the exact site."

Derek nodded without a word, giving a quick salute before standing up and leaving. Jazz now leaned against the doorway and set her eyes on Raven. "Now, Natalya, care to explain your interference with official orders on the mission?"

[Charlia]

Not that she cared. She was used to discomfort.

Well. Discomfort being a severe understatement.

"Can we get this over with?" she said in a bored tone. "I already know how this is going to go, and there's little point in delaying."

"Sorry for the delay, I had to stop and pick something up first," stated a voice that seemed to appear behind them, Jazz. "But I'll get to you second... Derek, you just had a mission but we're sending you right back out. To Yellowknife, Canada, which is the closest city to an unidentifiable object that just crashed through the atmosphere and landed somewhere in the Northwest Territories. It could have materials that are valuable to us, we're sending you to track down the exact site."

Derek nodded without a word, giving a quick salute before standing up and leaving. Jazz now leaned against the doorway and set her eyes on Raven. "Now, Natalya, care to explain your interference with official orders on the mission?"

"What is there to say?" she said coldly. "I saw a girl in a horrible situation. I saved her. I avenged her. Such a thing holds far more importance than your petty wars. Also, you have not earned the privilege to call me Natalya, so don't. To you, my name is Raven."

[Unified Free Lands]

"Sorry for the delay, I had to stop and pick something up first," stated a voice that seemed to appear behind them, Jazz. "But I'll get to you second... Derek, you just had a mission but we're sending you right back out. To Yellowknife, Canada, which is the closest city to an unidentifiable object that just crashed through the atmosphere and landed somewhere in the Northwest Territories. It could have materials that are valuable to us, we're sending you to track down the exact site."

Derek nodded without a word, giving a quick salute before standing up and leaving. Jazz now leaned against the doorway and set her eyes on Raven. "Now, Natalya, care to explain your interference with official orders on the mission?"

"What is there to say?" she said coldly. "I saw a girl in a horrible situation. I saved her. I avenged her. Such a thing holds far more importance than your petty wars. Also, you have not earned the privilege to call me Natalya, so don't. To you, my name is Raven."

"Maybe so, Natalya, but we sent an operative to rescue that girl and all you did was get in the way. It could have ended very badly for both of you," Jazz replied. "What you have to realize, is that as long as you stay at this school, we decide what's important. Not a first year student."

[Charlia]

"What is there to say?" she said coldly. "I saw a girl in a horrible situation. I saved her. I avenged her. Such a thing holds far more importance than your petty wars. Also, you have not earned the privilege to call me Natalya, so don't. To you, my name is Raven."

"Maybe so, Natalya, but we sent an operative to rescue that girl and all you did was get in the way. It could have ended very badly for both of you," Jazz replied. "What you have to realize, is that as long as you stay at this school, we decide what's important. Not a first year student."

"Then perhaps tomorrow you will find that Raven has flown," she said, steel in her eyes. "I did what was right. Maybe that's worth a failing grade at a villains' academy, and maybe I was never meant to be a villain. But at least when I die I will be able to look back on my actions in life and say that my conscience is clear. Will you?"

[Kractero]

Venus had no intention to go where the announcement had told her to go. She wasn't supposed to be involved in that mission, and had nothing to do with their catastrophic meltdown. She had no intention to be given a failing grade for something that someone else had caused. She sighed inwardly, something she usually did not do. The boys had cleared the hallway, no doubt going to meet in the Assembly Room. She was going to continue walking when she was stopped by another male.

He seemed slightly nervous. She was too tired to scan his emotions. "Yes, I am. And who's this?"

[Unified Free Lands]

"Maybe so, Natalya, but we sent an operative to rescue that girl and all you did was get in the way. It could have ended very badly for both of you," Jazz replied. "What you have to realize, is that as long as you stay at this school, we decide what's important. Not a first year student."

"Then perhaps tomorrow you will find that Raven has flown," she said, steel in her eyes. "I did what was right. Maybe that's worth a failing grade at a villains' academy, and maybe I was never meant to be a villain. But at least when I die I will be able to look back on my actions in life and say that my conscience is clear. Will you?"

"I couldn't care less, morals are relative. Those Taliban men you killed? You think they didn't have parents, siblings, friends, who would miss them? In their minds, they are the ones who are doing the right thing. And their families probably consider you to be the evil one. See why morals are too relative to let them make decisions for you?" asked Jazz, taking a small object out of her combat jacket. It wasn't clear what it was, but it didn't look like something good. It looked like some sort of small machine part, but it was impossible to know for sure.

[Charlia]

"Then perhaps tomorrow you will find that Raven has flown," she said, steel in her eyes. "I did what was right. Maybe that's worth a failing grade at a villains' academy, and maybe I was never meant to be a villain. But at least when I die I will be able to look back on my actions in life and say that my conscience is clear. Will you?"

"I couldn't care less, morals are relative. Those Taliban men you killed? You think they didn't have parents, siblings, friends, who would miss them? In their minds, they are the ones who are doing the right thing. And their families probably consider you to be the evil one. See why morals are too relative to let them make decisions for you?" asked Jazz, taking a small object out of her combat jacket. It wasn't clear what it was, but it didn't look like something good. It looked like some sort of small machine part, but it was impossible to know for sure.

"Those men were the lowest scum of the earth," Raven growled. "Anyone who would miss them would be scum themselves."

She had a very black-and-white view of the world.

"Morals may be relative for you. But for me, there is little more linear."

[CoraSpia]

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.

"My friend Karl is a hacker," Kadus explained sadly. "You know Anton here loves to talk about how he had to petition the school to get those plants allowed in the gym? Well...Karl was looking through the cctv cameras yesterday and he wwas interested in what they had planned for us so he looked at some of the staff offfices...and he saw Anton in one of them. I'd have thought the staff wouldn't have agreed for him to use the gym simply as a way of getting your trust so he could control you, but I guess this is a school for villains after all. That's why I decided to tellyou about it today after Karl told me."

[Unified Free Lands]

"I couldn't care less, morals are relative. Those Taliban men you killed? You think they didn't have parents, siblings, friends, who would miss them? In their minds, they are the ones who are doing the right thing. And their families probably consider you to be the evil one. See why morals are too relative to let them make decisions for you?" asked Jazz, taking a small object out of her combat jacket. It wasn't clear what it was, but it didn't look like something good. It looked like some sort of small machine part, but it was impossible to know for sure.

"Those men were the lowest scum of the earth," Raven growled. "Anyone who would miss them would be scum themselves."

She had a very black-and-white view of the world.

"Morals may be relative for you. But for me, there is little more linear."

Jazz just chuckled. "Let's get to the point. You like to act independent. You think that it doesn't matter if you go against orders."

She moved closer until she was right behind Raven, unscrewing a cap on the object in her hand to reveal that it was a dart of some kind. This, of course, was the experimental version of the stun ammunition that would be used by guards later. It had a small amount of poison, that targeted the muscles and made it impossible to move for a few minutes. "And I think you could use a lesson on how little control you actually have..."