Todd trembled as he backed away, arms wrapped in a self hug. The idea of seeing something as normal as eyes at such a large scale caused his stomach to lurch; as if he were looking down from a tall height. Their vibrant golden glow and thin black slits look through him, studied him. The inability to peer into the darkness at who or what was behind the eyes nearly caused Todd to faint.

“Oh come now. I have little reason to hurt you.” the voice growled. Todd turned, his breathing ragged. “Unless of course, I find one.” The eyes reappeared in the darkness directly ahead of Todd and caused him to jump. “Tell me...what fool treads into the den of Canis Devorator?”

“Todd...Stewart.” Todd barely whispered.

“Todd...Stewart...” the gravely voice repeated. “I hope whatever thought brought you is more savory than it is wise.” The eyes closed and Todd heard the most horrible howl. Pale yellow eyes lit up the darkness. They were of a normal size but the pairs numbered in the hundreds. Howls cascaded from deep in the dark in response. “Fetch.” the voice commanded. In an instant, Todd heard a stampede of scuffling paws on the ground, then darkness.

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In his entire life, Todd never felt any emotion as strongly as the fear he’d felt when seeing the creature in the chemistry room. That was surpassed with an even greater sense of fear due to, well, everything since Nedd sent him here. That high water mark was now dethroned by embarrassment. Todd pulled on the chain, which was attached to both a collar around his neck and embedded in a enormous rock. He was captured, moved, and restrained with such speed, it took a moment to comprehend what happened. “Come on...seriously?” Todd asked when his brain finally caught up and fear gave way to humiliation.

Todd stood on a small patch a grass among the ruins of an ancient looking building. The overall structure still stood, but the walls were cracked and worn and many of the front steps were shattered or missing. What surprised Todd was the level of splendor he could infer from some of the debris; a few of the toppled columns had golden faces adorning what would have been the top. The various symbols carved along the walls brought ancient Egypt to Todd’s mind.

Just like where Todd was before, stacks of papers towered far beyond what he could see. The ground was nearly covered with papers as well, and a few books were strewn about the ground. However, rather than being bathed in a reddish glow from an impossible flame, this area seemed to be under permanent moonlight. Visibility stretched farther, but not by a whole lot.

“Budge.” Todd grunted as tugged on the chain, even though he already knew the results.

“Tell me, Todd...Stewart.” the voice spoke again; it sounded as if it came from every direction at once. A wave of papers crashed into the area from the darkness and Todd quickly turned and a nearby stack shook. “How is it you’ve come to my domain?”

“I was sent here.” Todd said as tried to summon enough courage to not faint. He heard sniffing and stood stock still.

“You are not the one who solved my equation. There are traces, but faint. Not enough to be granted my summons. Never enough to beckon, uninvited.”

“Wait a second.” Todd said. He focused his gaze toward the ground as his mind started to process what was said.

“I love the smell of epiphany. So rich.” the voice said.

“The equation wasn’t meant to summon you?” Todd asked slowly.

“Oh my dear boy.” someone said with a chuckle. Todd looked up as a dog in a tan linen suit and top hat descended the stairs. “Nobody summons Canis Devorator.”

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

“Better...entities...than you have tried to buy me off.” Jun said as he let the door slam shut.

“I think my bankroll is far better.” Nedd replied with a smile. “You want out of here and I’ve got the only ticket in town.” Jun narrowed his eyes and took a step back. “I also know you have the fortitude to do whatever it takes to...” Nedd raised his hand like an airplane taking off. “Same as me.”

“I don’t think you know anything.” Jun said.

“I know I’ve seen your grades. All of them. I’m impressed.”

“I study hard.”

“No you don’t.” Nedd chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong, I respect the work that goes into cheating, but studying isn’t part of it. You even managed to slip past DEN, bravo.” Before Jun could answer, Ms. Suk came downstairs.

“Jun, I thought you were meeting with your friends to study.” she said. Jun continued to keep his eyes fixed on Nedd.

“I-”

“He was just seeing me to the door. What a polite young man you’ve raised.” Nedd said. Ms. Suk’s head flinched back slightly.

“You know this is one right here is Jun, right?” she asked.

“You’d be suprised at what he could do. Actually, I was just-” Nedd said.

“I’ll need a ride to school early tomorrow to meet with Mr. Scofield before class.” Jun cut in quickly.

“My little scholar! Just for that, and the fact your uncle is working late tonight, you get an extra dessert.”

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Jun pressed his back against the sandstone wall. Torchlight danced in the hallway. Technically Nedd kept his promise to drop him off right near where he needed to be, but he failed to mention the heavy presence of unfriendly guards. Jun checked his watch; no chance to fight, so he’d need to wait out the seven or so guards in the room. Jun closed his eyes and focused.

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“What does your little book say?” Nedd asked. He and Jun were at the front of the classroom, huddled over the Codex on Nedd’s desk. “Oh don’t mind them.” Nedd said as Jun looked over his shoulder. “Practically zombies.”

“That’s not a good thing.” Jun said.

“The only good is what’s good for your goal.” Nedd said.

“You sound like a super villain.” Jun said flatly. “The Codex says permanent records are indestructible.”

“By conventional means, yes. But I know how to do it, and you get to walk free. I merely require a simple exchange.”

“Which is?”

“Has anyone ever misunderstood your work?” Nedd asked. “Something that could benefit everyone at a small cost, but all anyone cares about are the eggs for the omelet?”

“I don’t what you’ve been told, but I don’t regret destroying that ancient bagpipe-”

“No, you...no. I mean me. I’m on the precipice of one of the biggest win since Goliath vs what’s his face and the weak will try to impede me.” Nedd leaned back. “I’m not asking you to betray your friends-”

“I don’t have friends here.” Jun said quickly.

“Okay...regardless, I need...assistance from Todd and Viktor.”

“So ask them.”

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“I’m just worried their incorrect suspicions will override reason, and won’t hear me out.” Nedd said. Jun frowned.

“I don’t care, but they won’t be in actual danger right? You just need them help pull levers or pour beakers or something like that, right?”

“Sure. Lever and beakers. Then I show you how to escape from the system permanently.”

“Okay...good. Because if it’s anything else, I’m coming back here, and I’m kicking your butt up and down every hallway in this school.”

“Noted.” Nedd said with a smile.

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When he counted the seventh and last set of footsteps, Jun darted around the corner. Based on what Nedd had mentioned, the building was some old library transported to Canis’ lair and turned into storage. Jun needed one of the few rooms which served a different purpose.

The room was several levels high, with walkways and doorways leading deeper into the library visible from the ground floor. In the center of the room was a giant, wildly burning red and black flame which extended under the ground floor. A sandstone barrier surrounded it and kept passersby relatively safe. There were piles of papers haphazardly stacked near the flame and a chute extended from the ceiling almost directly above the flame.

Jun wiped sweat from his forehead; the intense heat and swirling wind emanating from the center of the room was near suffocating. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a manila folder.

“You’ve got nerve.” Someone said. The voice came from the hallway and spoke with lazy southern drawl. “All this time and you finally reach out, and it’s not in person? Nerve...and intelligence.”

“Why do you have that ridiculous accent?” a second voice asked. Jun ran to a nearby doorway and crouched low. He narrowed his eyes once he recognized Nedd’s voice.

“Summer reading assignments this year were all mid-century classics. They stick with you. Of course, you missed out.” the first speaker said. “The next summon you think to ignore, don’t. It will not be a request.”

“No, yeah, I get it. Totally would have been there, I was just slammed with this project vis a vis...what are you doing?”

“Forgive me as I blow my nose. I thought becoming a thrall would free me from all maladies, but I’m apparently still allergic to total and utter bull crap.”

“Okay, no...it’s...I’m working on something big. Canis is going to be very happy. The crudites has arrived correct?”

“I’m to appraise your offering as we speak. You are running with quite the deficit, Scofield. If there is even a chance you have over promised...I would flee immediately.”

“Oh, no I’ll be here. Just wait until the main event. Shame you won’t be there Archibald.”

“I will be the only one making an appearance, if I find it sufficient, I will alert Canis when his feast is done.”

“Are you su-”

“You have far more consequential work to worry about.” Archibald said. Jun heard footsteps and made a beeline for the flame. He couldn’t make much from the conversation, but it was obvious Nedd was connected far more than he’d let on. Jun felt slight pang of guilt. He’d take care of business, find Todd, and get out of here. Jun pulled the folder out of his jacket again, and as his arm moved forward, he was tackled to the ground.

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

“Jun?” Todd asked. He nearly did a double take as a large, muscular dog in a headdress walked out of the building on its hind legs and carried Jun like luggage. It threw the boy, then handed a manila folder to the dog in the linen suit.

“It appears that we have not one, but two delivers from dear Scofield.” the dog in the suit shouted. "What exactly did you hope to accomplish?” he waved the folder around. Jun stood up and dusted himself off.

“Wait.” Todd put his hand up. “Scofield as in Nedd Scofield? The teacher? You know him?”

“Unfortunately yes. For how much longer, well I suppose you two will have a hand in that. Or a thought.” the dog in suit said.

“Archibald right? I just came to drop that permanent record off in the fire in there.” Jun said. “Since you have it, if you could do that for me, I’ll just grab the nerd here and go.” He turned around and walked towards Todd. “Remember, into the fire. You don’t need to save the folder.” he shouted over his shoulder. “Todd walk quickly.” he whispered.

“I can’t go anywhere.” Todd replied as he pulled on the chain. “Use your powers.” Jun shook his head.

“Not an option. Just bring the boulder.” He sped up but the dog in a headdress took off with astonishing speed and cut off his exit.

“I hate to break it to you,” Archibald said, “but whatever you’re doing here, this is no permanent record.”

“And you’re supposed to be the homework eater?” Jun asked. He scoffed, but still took a step away from the other dog.

“Oh, that’s not me, I’m merely an inventor who needed an edge in the face of more popular names. And that is no permanent record. You see, I’ve seen several as thralls have come on board. There are two telltale signs: the first being this here record is missing the embossed seal of a counselor. The second...” Archibald lifted the paper out of the folder. “these watermarks which read, and I quote, ‘unofficial transcript’, end quote.”

“How did you possibly miss that?” Todd asked as pinched the bridge of his nose.

“What? I thought it was saying you can’t use the permanent record as an official transcript. You have to get a second official transcript.” Jun shrugged.

“Well that explains why he seems like so much more of a suitable candidate than you.” Archibald said. He pointed at Todd, but looked to Jun. “So for what reason did Nedd Scofield trick you into coming down here?”

“Enough of the lackey.” Jun shouted. “Show yourself Canis, I want to speak to the top dog.”

“What are you doing?” Todd hissed.

“Trust me. These types only respond to aggression.” Jun whispered. Archibald chuckled.

“Canis remains in the shadows as a kindness to you. Were your eyes to gaze upon his visage, your brain would split in its skull. I am not being figurative.”

“Blah blah. You hear that Todd?” Jun asked.

“Yeah, sounds like we should definitely quit while we’re ahead.”

“Exactly! Sounds like a coward to me too. I though Canis meant...some sort of dog or something, but apparently it means chicken.” Jun picked up a nearby piece of paper. “And hoarder apparently, I mean a sixth grade book report on...Of Mice and Men? Dogs don’t eat mice, stupid.” He ripped the paper in half.

“Watch yourself child!” Archibald yelled. The ground suddenly shook as the sound of heavy steps rushed towards them. Towers of papers fell by the wayside, and a torrent of assignments shot up into the air like a geyser and crashed down around them. Foul smelling air nearly knocked Todd back as he first heard the snarl, then saw the terrible eyes again.

“I can see in the minds of my prey and my fangs would tear armies asunder.” Canis growled. His voice seemed even deeper and more frightening than the last time he spoke. “My fur are sharper than blades and my tail could level a city.” His sharp teeth appeared in the darkness and Todd jumped. “At my height there is no greater power and my form is incomprehensible. Boy!” The volume shook the lair. “Do you wish to see horrors beyond your comprehension?”

Todd instinctively looked down, but Jun continued to stare at the eyes, his own turned a pale neon green. “You have no idea, what I’ve seen.” he said defiant.

“I am surrounded and shrouded of the splendor of the most magnificent works ever devised by mankind and beyond.” Todd looked up as Archibald tapped the cane draped over his arm and three papers bathed in a yellow glow, the same glow from the chemistry room, materialized. “They are both spoils and spear. Weapon and trophy.”

“A Tale of Three Cities...blueprints for a tire that never deflates....is this a letter What is this?” Todd asked.

“Works of great import, created by people with strong minds, under conditions of great stress. Each one captured by Canis Devorator.” Archibald said. “I almost found my own work worthy of the collection. Almost...”

“I am surrounded by my own power. Did you think you could damage so much as one piece from my collection and be spared harm?” Canis asked.

“After he feeds on the stress of the person creating the work, their assignment is brought here.” Archibald pointed at the building behind him. “You are awash in the greatest collection of-”

“Homework.” Todd finished. He looked up. “You’re a dog, or dog like creature, that steals homework.” he said. “This entire thing, is because of the dog who ate my homework?!”

“Oh dear, his mind is already fracturing.” Archibald said. “This library was brought down here from the desert to house the flame of Canis. The flame turns the unremarkable work into the very power which controls this entire realm. The exception work...well you need only around.”

“Could be better.” Jun said.

“What?” Canis snapped.

“I’m just saying it’s fine, a lot of A work. A few A+ papers I’m sure. Not bad.”

“Not bad?” Archibald asked, taken aback. “This is perfection. Canis restrains his own power to use a little of this treasure as possible.”

“I will not lose one!” Canis growled. “Which is why you owe me a thousand for the one you destroyed.”

“There’s no A double plus assignments here.” Jun shrugged.

“No such thing.” Archibald said quickly.

“I’m sure believing that helps you sleep at night.” Jun said. He and Archibald exchanged stares; Archibald suspicious and Jun defiant.

“Speak true boy.” Canis commanded. Jun stuck his tongue out at Archibald and turned to the shadows.

“Not much else to say. Just a grade so good, it received the only double plus in existence. I might know where it’s at, and I might be able to get it if you set us free.”

“Why should I not just take it for myself?” Canis asked. Jun shrugged.

“You should...oh wait. That debt comment, now what Nedd said makes more sense.” Jun replied as he nonchalantly leaned against the boulder.

“What did Scofield say?” Archibald asked.

“Something about not paying a debt or something. I’m sure I misheard, he’ll probably deliver that grade to you. Probably.” Jun said.

“Scofield has the double plus?” Archibald turned to look at Canis. “He would not dare...”

“I wouldn’t say he has it. And I could make sure he never does.” Jun said. Todd tried to catch his eye to get a sense of what he was thinking, but he stared directly at Canis.

“Perhaps he meant to use them to buy time to locate it.” Archibald said. He turned back to Todd and Jun. “There has been a change in your employ. You will now fetch that grade for Canis. Return and you walk scot free.” Archibald tapped his cane on the ground. The collar fell from Todd’s neck, and a swirl of yellow smoke surrounded them.

Todd first felt the sensation of falling, then a hard impact, followed by a cool breeze. He looked around. They were in the middle of a field, and Fillmore stood in the distance.

“We’re home?” Todd asked. Jun sat up and couldn’t help but smile.

“That worked?” he said.

“You have until dusk.” Canis’ voice boomed above them. They looked up and saw Archibald he closed the smoke portal.

“So where is the super grade?” Todd asked. “Please tell me it’s real.”

“Hmm? Oh yeah, it exists, it’s at the district office the lamest museum you could imagine. And that’s saying something.” Jun stood up and started to walk towards the school.

“So why are you going the wrong way? We don’t have a lot of time!” Todd yelled.

“I have promise to keep.” Jun said. His eyes roared a more vibrant green than back in the lair. Wind kicked up as he made a fist. “Todd you once asked what my powers were, I’m about to show you.”