“Gentlemen, let’s go save the scho-” Jun switched off his earpiece, cutting off the rest of Todd’s sentence. He leaned against the brick wall, cool from the late summer morning, and looked up at a cloudless, blue sky. Normally, Jun wouldn’t have resorted to such a deceptive ploy, even with someone as disposable as Todd Stewart; however, between Finn’s behavior and everything else Jun had observed, the situation was officially desperate.

“Victory has no tolerance for sentiment.” Jun said quietly. “Right Leon?” If he were going to escape the clutches of his Ms. Suk and his current confinement, there could be no option ruled out. Jun moved away from the wall and glanced around the corner. The bus for the field trip idled by the band door entrance while the rest of the student in his class waited to leave. Waiting to leave was actually a bit of a strong statement; they were sprawled across the grass, tablets and laptops out, still frantically working on school work. After Ivan was literally dragged back outside after an attempt to get back to the annex, the large bald man physically blocked the doors back inside.

Jun checked the time on his watch; the bus wasn’t scheduled to leave for another twenty minutes, right before the first bell. He looked around to make sure there were no prying eyes and slipped inside through the front doors. Since Jun had zero intention of going to the annex, or anywhere to study, his path back to Mr. Scofield’s homeroom was clear; since the teacher wanted his class to arrive so early, most other students had only started to show up by the time Jun arrived at he room.

He paused upon seeing the lights still on in the room, but after a quick knock and no answer, Jun quickly entered. He made a bee line for Mr. Scofield’s small office and turned on the computer. He fished out a small dongle and plugged it into a port on the back. With a few strokes, Jun was logged on to the computer. Windows and files opened up one after another and Jun noticed a large machine that looked like a prototype of a printer and scanner combination.

Jun connected his watch to the dongle as the door to the classroom flew open and hit the wall. He looked for a place to hide, but the room offered few locations. Nedd stormed into the room with the large man in tow.

“How have you not managed to locate a child?” Nedd demanded. “I haven’t sensed him in days. Which means he should have practically wasted away by now. And if he’s been anywhere near the school the atmosphere would force him to change.”

“Well, I almost had him.” the bald man said, his words slow and deliberate. “But hamsters got distracted. And it took a while to steal the key from the district office. Plus it’s kind of far from where I live, and I share my car-”

“Stop!” Nedd shouted as he covered his ears. He lowered his hands then slowly looked around. He held a finger to his lips and waved his hand around. Jun noticed a faint yellow smoke was dispersed with his motions. “Don’t mention the key or anything from the special instructions.”

“Oh you mean project Helm?” the bald man asked.

“Yes I mean project Helm. Gunther you idiot don’t mention it’s name.” he hissed. “Follow the directions DAI gave you and if you have any questions...you’re even dumber than I thought.” Nedd shook his head and strode towards his office.

“Watch the door. I need to check on our mutual friend and my timetable.” he said. Jun pressed himself against the wall and tried to get as skinny as possible. Based on the angle of approach, Jun figured he could push Nedd from behind and escape. Nedd pushed on the door and Jun held his breath.

“Mr. Scofield it’s passed time we....TALKED.” The door stopped moving and Jun’s eyes widened. He heard Nedd grumble a few salty words, then the door suddenly swung in the opposite direction. Jun was just able to grab the handle in time before it fully closed.

“Of course.” Nedd said, the phony pleasantness in his voice apparent.

“Somebody’s at the door.” Gunther said. Nedd sighed and closed his eyes.

“What can I do for you Principal Park?” he asked.

“I’ll get to it: I’ve come to put the brakes on your...PROJECT.” As Jun watched the conversation through the small opening of the partially closed door, he could see the unflinching look on Principal Park’s face.

“I can produce the contract award letter from the district if you’d like, but really any objections should be taken up with-”

“I may have misled with my statement. I’m not declaring an intent, I’m making a...DECREE.” The look of shock on Nedd’s own face was genuine and acute.

“I...this is a legal contract with the superintendent of the district.”

“The contractual obligation will be fulfilled. As far as the superintendent, we have had...WORDS.” Principal Park folded his arms, then rubbed one of his shoulders. “We will still make use of your system, but I’ve raised my objections and the PTA...AGREES.”

“Meddlesome home-makers.” Nedd muttered.

“You will have the weekend to prepare and deploy a more traditional...CURRICULUM.”

“Traditional?” Nedd protested.”

“In conjunction with staff. No more teachers simply watching students work themselves to exhaustion with no input on the workload.”

“Forgive me for provided a challenge.” Nedd’s face grew red as his voice shook.

“No more operating under your own auspices. Is that...UNDERSTOOD?” Nedd looked as if he wanted to object, but Principal Park’s cold glared silenced all.

“Of course.” Nedd said quietly. “Come Monday, things will be totally different.” the smallest smirk appeared. “If you’ll excuse me.” Nedd turned around and walked towards the office. Principal Park glanced toward the room and watched him walk away, then frowned.

“I think it would be in the best interest of an educator to monitor the students under his care at all times, rather than leave them alone outside. Wouldn’t you...AGREE?” he said. Nedd stopped, rigid, then pivoted on his heel.

“I do.” this time, there was no hint of a smile on his face. He trudged out of the room, followed by Gunther, then Principal Park who turned out the lights as he closed the door.

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Viktor pulled the brim of his ball cap low as the early morning sun beamed down on the Burger Barn. He stood, in an over-sized coat, near the entrance on the drive-thru; eyes peeled for the bus. He stood on not quite unsteady legs, but still leaned against the building in order to conserve energy. Ever since the change, Viktor had done everything in his power to remain as normal as possible. The constant strain to not let his powers fully takeover wore him down. After carrying Todd two nights ago, and all the strain of finding him in the first place, Viktor didn’t think he had much left to give; the fact he’d managed to regain some control after being forced inside the school to rescue Todd earlier was a miracle.

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Thanks to a lucrative sponsorship, every field trip usually included a stop to Burger Barn to get free juice and Burger Barn Bakery Buns. The plan was for Viktor to blend in with the students as they got back on the bus after getting their goodies. Once aboard, he’d back up Jun at a distance, until Nedd made his move and they’d combine to keep him from summoning Canis. If they failed, Todd’s retrieval of the item which could allegedly seal it away was the fall back. Viktor had no desire to be anywhere near Nedd Scofield after what happened at Viltburg. Whatever was done to him, it was unclear what role Nedd played, Viktor could scarcely remember what happened beyond being brought to a bright room by unseen people, but he was certain Nedd was involved.

As important as stopping Canis was, and based on what that Finn explained, it was a huge deal, the desire which override all others for Viktor was that to return to normal. It had been a long summer into fall, and Viktor just wanted to go home. He went from being at Viltburg, to being captured, to escaping, but his time at home was short lived when a mysterious man in a suit arrived at his door asking about his whereabouts. He’d managed to convinced Viktor’s parents that Viltburg offered some summer boarding program. For some reason, Viktor couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling, so once while they waited for him to pack, he escaped out the bedroom window; Viktor had been on the run ever since.

Fortunately, the cover meant his parents thought he was at school, and not worried sick about him, which let Viktor keep away and keep them from any danger. Ironically, he actually was at Viltburg the whole time. As he avoided being recaptured, Viktor stayed in empty dorms and moved locations every few nights. Every day, he searched for answers, help, a way back home, and now it all seemed at his finger tips.

Viktor yawned and checked the time on his phone. Based on the likely speed of the bus and the time he’d left Todd at Fillmore, Viktor expect the bus to show up soon. He kept his eyes trained on the road as a car drove by to enter the drive-thru, and his heart leapt when he saw yellow approaching. The bus slowed as it approached the Burger Burn then swiftly changed lanes and drove towards the free way entrance.

“What?” Viktor asked as he walked forward. His eyes bulged as the tail lights grew more and more distant. “Where-” Viktor was interrupted as he was pulled into a bear hug from behind.

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The bus rocked as it switched lanes and Jun watched Nedd walk away from the bus driver and look out one of the windows; he smiled with an arrogantly as they passed the Burger Barn. He glanced over at Jun, who looked down.

“Victory has no tolerance for sentiment.” he said to himself.

“I have bad new class.” Nedd said from the front of the bus. “Observatory is closed today.” A cheer went up.

“That’s a relief.” Ivan said loudly. Several others murmured their agreement as Nedd waved down their chatter.

“We’ll be visiting the district offices instead.” A dissatisfied grumble filled the bus. “It’s connected to the main branch of the school library system.” Nedd offered and instantly the students perked up; so much so that the bus started to rock a little as students, yellow eyes on display, began to fall into a too enthusiastic fervor. Nedd smiled at his handiwork.

When the bus stopped and the driver could barely get the doors open before the students rushed outside and towards the library. Jun slowly departed; there was an uncomfortable nagging feeling at the back of his mind.

“You’ll still honor our deal?” Nedd asked asked Jun stepped off the bus.

“Will you?” Jun replied. Nedd smiled.

“Let’s get to it.”

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Viktor thrashed as he struggled to get free. He didn’t want to engage all his strength and risk losing his tenuous hold on control, but whoever had grabbed him practically squeezed the air out of his lungs; Viktor risked fainting either way. His eyes glowed yellow and he flexed, then raised both arms. It broke the hold and Viktor dropped to the ground. He spun around, still on his hand and knees, to face whoever had tired to apprehend him. It was the bald, slow witted man that had chased him and Todd a couple of nights ago.

Viktor immediately lunged at him and threw his shoulder into the man, which knocked him to the ground. As the man landed, Viktor stepped back, but kept his gaze on the bald man. His mind began to grow hazy, as consciously, Viktor wanted to leave, but subconsciously his thoughts were much simpler and primal; fight or flight. His body chose fight and refused to budge. He tried to will himself to leave as the man rolled over and grabbed a suitcase which lay next to him on the ground. The bald man popped it open and pulled out a sheet of paper. Viktor’s eyes widen and he suddenly found his legs able to move, except they went in the direction of the man and the paper, instead of away.

Viktor did everything he could to force his arm into his jacket pocket. He grabbed hold of a plastic figurine and squeezed it. He was mere feet away from the man when the haze lifted and Viktor felt as if he’d woken up from a dream. He and the bald man exchanged surprised glances, then the bald man lunged in an attempt to wrap up his legs. Viktor stumbled backwards and turned to sprint away.

“Eagle, do you read?” Viktor shouted as he pressed the call button on his ear piece. He received no response. Tires squealed in the distance, and an engine roared.

“Todd!” Viktor yelled again. He had no choice but to use whatever he had left. The trees began to blur as Viktor picked up speed. “Todd. Answer me d-”

“Yeah?” Todd asked.

“Todd where have you been? I’m on my way back to the school now. We have a huge problem.”

“This...thing...working...at’s wrong?” Todd asked, his voice cut in and out.

“I was attacked. The bus changed directions. I repeat, the bus changed directions. It’s not going to observatory. I won’t be able to meet with Jun.”

“Where...going?”

“No clue, it’s headed downtown I think.”

“...I’m moving now.”

“Copy. Meet you there.” Viktor said. The signal dropped. He could feel his mind slipping as he raced to the school. The car pulled close and swerved onto the sidewalk; Viktor narrowly avoided being clipped.

“..tor...” Todd’s faint voice said.

“What?” Viktor yelled. The car speed ahead then drifted around to block Viktor’s path.

“on’t....more.” Before Viktor could respond, a bright flash emanated from the school.

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Jun followed Nedd through the opulent entrance of the district main offices. For a semi public school district, the level of splendor on display bordered on ridiculous. The doors to enter were simple, even shabby, but the interior featured marble flooring, and ornate Roman columns. Tranquil music played and a large skylight brought in natural sun to illuminate the lobby. There were massage chair schedules on the wall and a juice bar nearby.

Nedd and Jun got on an elevator for a silent ride to the third floor. Jun was focused on identifying potential exits in case he needed to make his own way out. When doors opened, Jun and Nedd were greeted by a small old man sitting at a lone desk in front of single door. There were no windows on the wall behind him, and Jun picked up the faint smell of ageing paper.

“State your business.” the old man said, his voice wavered a bit, but his demeanor was serious.

“Nedd Scofield.” Nedd said proudly. The old man furrowed his brow. “Nedd Sc...I’m in the Hall of Grades. I have a record for most ribbons for a science fair project.” The old man shook his head and shrugged.

“Still proud huh? What was that, like fifty years ago?” Jun asked.

“Shut up.” Nedd said quickly. He sighed. “I’m a...teacher at Fillmore.” his voice carried heavy disgust. “I want to show this young man the Hall of Grades.” He pulled his badge out of the bag he carried, and flashed it at the old man.

“Ah sure thing, Mr. Scofield.” The old man pressed a button on his desk and the door opened. “I love when a teacher, such as yourself, takes a strong interest in their students. It makes teachers, you, such a valuable part of the community. Which you are, as a teacher.” Nedd glared at him and mumbled something as they left.

They walk through a large room, that reminded Jun of a museum, until they arrived at a row of pedestals with small glasses cases on top, and a spotlight over each.

“There.” Nedd said. He walked over to the final case.

“What is that?” Jun asked. Under the glass was a single sheet of paper with red marks all over.

“A G minus.” Nedd almost whispered. “A grade so low, for work so terrible and lazily crafted only one was ever given out. It was worth negative fifty points.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Jun replied.

“I know.” Nedd’s eyes were wide. “You can feel the field of the stupidity which surrounds it.”

“You want me to break the glass?” Jun asked. Nedd pulled himself away from the display case and pulled out his phone.

“No such barbarity.” Nedd produced a key from his pocket.

“I’m not doing anything until I see you’re good for payment.” Jun said as crossed his arms.

“Of course.” Nedd opened his satchel and pulled out a folder. He opened it to reveal the contents to Jun then snatched it away before Jun could reach out. “Your turn. I open the case, you grab the paper.” Nedd unlocked the case and Jun heard the hydraulic lift as the case raised. Nedd pulled a separate manila folder out of his bag. “In here. It’s card stock.” he said.

Jun rolled his eye and raised the case all the way up, then grabbed the paper. It felt brittle in his hands, and had yellowed; the handwriting was illegible. “Here.” Jun said. Nedd carefully received the paper and close the folder before gently stowing it away. He then took out the folder with Jun’s payment and tossed it at him.

“Good luck.” Nedd said, a devious smile curled on his face. He turned around and walked back the way they came. Jun might have considered the behavior notable if not for the sudden rush of elation which coursed through his body. Finally, Jun held the keys to his own destiny and freedom in his hands.

Jun practically skipped as the elevator doors opened to the first floor. He didn’t of course; he quickly made his way through the lobby, past the dormant hall monitors and back outside. A smile escaped as the sunlight hit his face and Jun looked for the bus. The parking area in front of the offices was empty so Jun walked around the corner to the main library branch.

“Oh. This isn’t good.” Jun said as he arrived. He had walked into a scene of absolute carnage.