4:04, UNDISCLOSED LOCATION

 At the first location, a familiar group of individuals is hastily seated together. Adolf sits on a side of the table with the Changeling groups and seated directly across the table is the Magei with the Espers. The two sides eye each other with suspicion as their body languages betray their thoughts. Tense and leaning away from each other, their bodies subtly tell the tale of betrayal and suspicion, each holding each other’s party responsible for the turn of events.

A golden-eyed woman with auburn hair unable to stand the heavy air finally breaks the silence. “It wasn’t us! We would never have been so clumsy because if it had been us, we would have taken down the whole school.” 

  “Of course, your kind is famous for your precaution and methodical planning,” an Esper grumbled loudly and sarcastically. At his word usage of, “your kind,” plenty of figures on the Changeling side let out growls of indignation and instinctively flash their teeth in a predatory fashion.

   “And just what is that supposed to mean?” Barked back, the golden-eyed woman with auburn hair. Glares from both sides only served to add oil to the fire.

 Before either side can leap at each other’s throats, the Magei speaks, “Enough!” The air is suddenly clear as both sides become still at the sheer power engraved in that word. The seated figures with various degrees of shame, apologetically nod at each other in apology.

 “I know that tensions are high, but this is no excuse to act like barbarians. Now then, we can both confirm and testify that it wasn’t either of our groups. But that does not mean, it could not be an Esper or Changeling, it merely means it’s not one of us. Were there any members of opposing factions there? Or better yet, blood feuds still in existence?” Croaked the Magei.

Adolf swiftly responds, “Nay, Magei, not that we are aware of. And as stated, we can’t rule out it was one our kind, members of the councils. However, how much do we know of the Vorpal’s recent activities? They have been rather quiet on their end, which is unusual for them. Could this be them?”

 The room grows still and silent. None of them liked their relationship of cooperation with the Vorpal’s. But as crudely stated, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” or better yet, “Hold your enemies close and your friends closer.” But even then, at least those enemies of thine enemy or friends had the decency to see you a person and not as a quick meal.

“It is possible given their unusual recent silence, but this is not at all like them. Their area of expertise is the bigger and more violent, the better. This incident is far to bloodless to be them even if I would like to lay this incident at their feet. No, preliminary sources reveal that it was too opposing parties, two individuals in battle. Therefore, we can only come to one of two conclusions: either it was one of our own members fighting against an enemy and if so, who? Or we have a pair of professionals in direct conflict with each other. And if they aren’t one of ours, then just who are they and who do they work for?” The Magei drily stated.

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The members are quiet in thought until Adolf finally says, “Very well then, then let us check with our prospective members and see if they have spotted anything out of the ordinary. But more importantly, let us recheck every student’s record and that of the faculty members as well. We need to ask every question, there is. Who could possibly afford that type of security and have the means to hide that extravagant security? Who at the academy holds such powerful enemies to cause such an event? Is this some sort of preliminary test, and if so, does this bode well for us or not?”

 Both groups look at each other and nod silently and efficiently. “This an excellent notion, let us do so,” The Magei chimed in. With this agreement, the Esper’s swiftly are on board with the idea as the changeling puff their chests in hidden pride. The meeting swiftly dissolves as the group members depart leaving only two seated figures within the room, Adolf, and the Magei, (aka Master Ferguson).

The old man glances at his grandson, an unknown fact to many, but to a select few. “Can you be certain this was not either of your leashed dogs?” Master Ferguson asked.

 “No, Magei. Though #32 likes to play his little games and this is far too messy even for him. #32 would have never allowed for his prey to escape his grasp. And as for, 56, though the explosive is right up her alley, the public display of violence and conflict is not. She prefers stealth and the least contact with such uncouth actions. No, this was done by someone else. But I find that I am much more concerned in regard to their identities and whose party they are aligned with. Just who else is playing on the field, that we don’t know about, grandfather?” Adolf inquired.

  “That is a good question, my son. Our alliance is one of the larger groups, but there are always smaller secretive sub-groups after all. And most importantly, let’s not forget, there are still the Vorpals left to deal with. Though this may not be directly linked to them, that does not mean, that one of their toys was not responsible for this. The Vorpal's are infamous for their many toys and if so, then they have begun to test the waters,” Master Ferguson muttered.          

“Yes, but the better question to ask, is are they testing our response or the schools? And if not ours, then whose?” Adolf flatly stated.

 “Either way, we stand to lose. Have your dog’s pick up the pace, Adolf,” Master Ferguson sharply muttered.

“Yes, grandfather,” Adolf dutifully replied, before aiding his grandfather to his feet and out the room.

 Soon after, instructions were given to all members including the two dogs. The order was sent to the first dog and registered as received. But the first dog did not respond, which was not unusual given the personality of 56. But the second dog cheerfully received the orders, the dog in question a young man sits in his room happily stitching the flesh wound on his shoulder. #32 hums to himself a cheerful remix of a pop chorus, “Love, love; Super love; They will never love you babe like I love you, babe.”