“Canis Scribusvorax is a Class A Myst with multiple tier three abilities, but is differentiated from other primeval beasts by its appearance on earth in a cyclical nature rather than at will. This means sightings are rare and researchers should confirm attributes before making a final determination if outside of the expected iso...iso-chron-ism.” Jun said as he tapped the Codex. “Homework hysteria, marked by stupor and unconscious studying? Check. Unusual physical strength when studying and physical weakness when away from work? Check. Ability to sense grades and an increase of fleas. ”

“Check.” Viktor muttered. Jun and Todd took a step away from him.

“We know it’s Canis, which means it’s not actually on earth, which means it’s using host possession to be present. That means, we summon it outside of the scheduled appearance when its weaker and defeat it. Easy.”

“What about that part you read earlier about what happens each time it appears?” Todd demanded. “It grows exponentially more powerful, very quickly. Who knows how many times it’s appeared if it’s as old as the books says.” he poked his palm as he spoke, for emphasis.

“That’s why we’re catching on an off year, dummy.”

“We don’t know that it’s an off year.” Todd snatched the book away from him. “See this is just an example with expected signs. It doesn’t...wait, you skipped like half the entry. There’s at least another four pages past what you read.”

“I got the gist, the rest is fluff.” Jun said, his tone dismissive.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. That’s why we need to seal it up or otherwise prevent the summoning.”

“Does it say anything about how to turn me back to normal?” Viktor asked.

“Yeah, okay, I’ll just get my handy dandy dimensional barricade.” Jun pantomimed stacking items on top of each other. “Oh you got a chair? Just want to make sure it doesn’t hop this fence. That was sarcasm by the way.”

“I really just miss going to school. My parents think I’m still boarding at Viltburg.” Viktor said as he looked at the ground.

“How hilarious. Let’s just summon the Canis and hope it’s not half as strong as a Kinuki.” Todd shouted.

“Most of all, I miss not being this hairy.” Viktor lamented.

“Don’t throw that around like you didn’t just learn what as Kinuki was like two days ago.”

“I still think we shouldn’t dismissed the vacuum cleaner idea.” Viktor cut in. Jun turned to look at him with sharp disdain.

“That was the dumbest of the ideas, and we’re soliciting ideas from Todd Stewart. Think about that.”

“Yeah, and summoning a Class A, which is either the toughest or weakest class, I’m not sure, Myst thingy to fight is brilliant. Great strategy Patton.” Todd said.

“I don’t even know what you’re referencing, so there.” Jun spat back. The two argued back and forth, while Viktor helplessly tried to broker some sort of peace.

“Hey.” Frissini shouted from the store room. “You’re scaring away good customers.” Todd, Jun, and Vitkor each looked around. Viktor checked his watch.

“Isn’t past closing time?” he asked.

“Magic is always open. But good point. I charge after hours rate for your meeting. Bills will be in the mail.”

“Sorry, we’ll be done soon if someone can just accept the smarter plan.” Todd said.

“I will when I come up with it. Oh, looks like I already did.” Jun replied.

“Is there anything in the book about space or stars?” Viktor asked. “Why the sudden field trip?”

“I was going to ask you.” Todd said. “What did Mr. Scofield do before the incident last year?”

“As far as I recall he wasn’t officially on staff. He served an advisory role, and based on what you’ve mentioned of his presence at Fillmore, a far quieter one as well.” Viktor said.

“Do we know for sure he’s involved?” Todd asked.

“Yes.” Jun sighed. “I already figured it out. That’s settles it.”

“Does it though?” Todd said. “I’m sorry, I just want to make sure before we implicate a teacher in being in league with evil ancient creature, we’re not just winging it.”

“Some of my best shows were improviso. A good magician knows how to turn even the biggest mistake into part of the show, and he always has back up way to dazzle.” The three boys looked at each other, with puzzled looks on their faces. Frissini rolled his eyes. “Do both, dimwits. If the first plan fails, do the second.”

“Since I live a life of aimless wandering, I could potentially provide support to both you.” Viktor added. Todd tapped his chin.

“That might work.”

“Except, only one of us has an actual plan.” Jun said. “We let the crazies finish whatever it is they’re doing and when Canis shows up, I take over. Your plan...doesn’t exist.”

“I’m working on it.” Todd shot back. His tablet buzzed from the back room and caught Todd’s attention. He rushed back to the store room.

“We need to discuss what was on the whiteboard in the annex.” Viktor said.

“If you two start to nerd out about quadrangles again, I swear you’re both off the team.”

“No. I mean, I don’t make any promises, but it wasn’t that. I can’t place it but there was something...unnerving about what was written. I don’t know what it had to do with Canis though.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Perhaps we could shed light on that.” Todd said, a huge grin on his face. He cradled his tablet in one arm with the screen towards Jun and Viktor.

“We?” Viktor asked. Todd looked down; the screen was black. He hastily unlocked the screen after a moment for the app to load, Finn appeared on screen.

“What?” Jun shouted.

“Hi.” Finn said quietly. Jun turned away and leaned back against a nearby counter.

“Finn gave me a way to contact him, and last night I reached out. I figured we could use all the expertise we could get.”

“Then you should have looked elsewhere.” Jun said.

“Jun, you know I’ve forgotten more about the Codex than you’ve ever known.” Finn said with a smile. “I don’t need to be in the field get results. Case in point.” The screen switched from Finn to the blueprint of a building.

“What is that?” Viktor asked.”

“It’s your school. Or what it looked like when Canis last roamed freely. During prep for a mission last year, I came across a frighteningly immense Myst energy trail. Naturally, I did some digging, and while the records weren’t complete, what I found wasn’t good. Jun, I’m serious man, under no circumstances can you try to take this thing.”

“I’m so glad the others aren’t here to see you. Maybe I can convince them you’re still the Finn we knew.” Jun said. Finn sighed.

“We can hash that out later. I know you Jun, and I know what exactly what you’re thinking. Don’t try it.” Finn said. His demeanor had turned far more serious. “Our team wouldn’t stand a chance on our best day, forget attempting with just two Mysts. I’m warning you for everyone’s sake.”

“So what’s the plan then?” Viktor asked.

“Viktor said he discovered a way to expel Canis.” Todd said.

“With a caveat that Canis has to have crossed over first, but yeah.” The map of the school moved and zoomed in on a room. “Based on the records, the key to pushing Canis back lies in this room.”

“What is a xerox room?” Viktor asked as he leaned towards the tablet.

“It’s an old map. But it will be sufficient to direct you where you need to go. I don’t have any of my supplies so you’re on your own from there, but if-”

“Where are you at?” Jun asked as he squinted and leaned towards the screen. Finn looked over his shoulder. In the background. rather than the sterile in school suspension room, he was surrounded by normal furnishings which looked more like a bedroom.

“Well...” Finn started, he looked down. “As far as the school knows I stopped the unnamed mascot impersonator, so they gave me at home suspension. I do all my classes from home, and could be back in person before the end of the year. My...parents are pretty happy.” On screen, Finn looked almost apologetic. Jun balled up his fist.

“Wow. Abandoning me really has its benefits huh?” he asked, his voice struggled to not break. “And then...then you decide to follow it up by replacing me with him?” Jun pointed at Todd. His face angrier than Todd had ever seen before.

“It’s not like that Jun.” Finn said. Jun raised a finger and started to speak, but though his lips moved no words came out. He quickly spun around and stormed out the front door.

“Todd, can you please get him? I don’t want him to do anything crazy.”

“Why should we have to bend over backwards for him?” Todd asked. “He’s had a bad attitude all day, and it wasn’t much better before that.” Finn sighed and ran his hand through his white hair.

“It’s not my place to tell Jun’s story, so I can’t tell you a lot of my own either, but we’ve led...difficult lives up to this point. To be honest, it hasn’t stopped, so much as paused, and possibly not for the better.”

“Is that what all that mission talk was about?” Viktor asked.

“Yeah. He and I, along with a few others, are Mysts. We’re beings with, what you might call extraordinary talents. We haven’t always been able to exist on our own terms. It’s taken its toll. Jun on the other hand, well his damage stems more from a misguided attempt to balance the scales.” Todd’s stance softened a bit.

“So all that stuff with the chain and the bean bags...”

“Packets. But yup, I’ll leave it to him to explain his abilities, but I can sense the presence of other Mysts, for example. The implications of that should be obvious, but my point is: cut Jun a little slack. It’s not been easy and it looks like life is going to get more complicated from here on out. He’s a good guy who wants to put more right in the world, he’s just...special.”

Todd looked towards the door. In the short time he’d know Jun, there hadn’t been a moment that the boy didn’t either insult him, get on his nerves, or otherwise vex him; commonly all at once. Yet, now Todd couldn’t help but feel a bit sad. Jun’s home life didn’t appear to be anything out of the ordinary, but looks could be deceiving. And it would explain, well not much specifically, but what Finn said would make Jun’s overall disposition make a little more sense. Todd sighed.

“I’ll go check on him.” he said.

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

When he got outside, Todd found Jun sitting by the fountain near the center of the promenade. Jun stared up at the night sky, and didn’t even acknowledge Todd as he approached.

“Look, I-”

“Just save it.” Jun said quietly.

“Okay.” Todd responded. The two sat in silence and Jun continued stare up at the sky. Todd looked back towards the shop as if it would offer a way to bridge the gap. Jun stiffened up.

“Todd Stewart, it’s not your fault you lack skill, and your probably underwhelming powers haven’t manifested. I was in a hurry to find someone useful in my attempt to reunite my team. Neither panned out and I should have expected that.” he said, eyes still towards the sky.

“Thanks? I think.” Todd said. “For the record, Finn didn’t blab about your history or anything, just gave a little perspective. I’m not sure I understand, but I’m here for you guys however I can be.”

“You could never understand. The things I’ve seen would melt your brain.”

“Probably.” Todd said. “I still don’t even understand what we’re dealing with now. Shoot, I still don’t get your powers, abilities, or whatever. What are they exactly?” Jun turned to Todd and looked at him with a hint of derision then turned back to the sky.

“Finn talks too much.” Jun said quietly. “That’s why we usually turned his radio off during missions.” A small smile crept across Jun’s face. “I don’t know what he sees in all this.” Jun waved his hand over a few shops. “But he can keep it.”

Todd raised an eyebrow. “I know it’s not great to hear, but I would just slow you down.”

“That’s very true.” Jun said.

“Plus it’s for the best. The plan I was working on with Finn, well I didn’t want to say anything in front of him, it leaves too many options open for you to exploit and just do your own thing.” Todd turned away, but tried to glance at Jun out of the corner of his eye.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, Finn explicitly warned us about it, but I could tell right away. If Viktor and I could see chances, no telling what someone like you could do. So definitely better to keep it a one Myst operation.”

“Viktor isn’t a Myst. Finn’s plan is that second rate?”

“Well, I mean, he wasn’t the official team planner on your missions right? No offence to him of course. It’s good but for someone like you, it’s too tempting with how easy it would be to accomplish. We’ll be fine and we’ll be out of your hair-”

“From the flame of opportunity is forged the sword of success...” Jun muttered as he jumped to his feet. Todd shifted away from him, a confused smile on his face.

“What did you just say?”

“Todd Stewart it has come to my attention that though you and the turncoat Finn have collaborated on a somewhat adequate plan. You will require my expertise to execute it.”

“I don’t know.” Todd said as he stood up. “You’re going to have to promise to take advantage of all the potential opportunities to do your own thing.”

“I’m the only one of us who will be on the field trip to monitor what’s happening since you’re no longer in the-.”

“Yeah I got it.” Todd snapped. “Still, can we trust you?” Jun extended his hand.

“You have my word. I will not deviate from your plan.” Jun smiled as Todd shook his hand.

“The bond of allies is a shield against darkness.” Todd said. Jun let out a short laugh.

“Okay, you might be half a point cooler than I thought.”

"I love that show! I didn't think anyone had heard of it. I'm thinking of starting a fansite-"

"Okay, now you've lost that half point. Make it a full point."