Bruce twisted , pushed off against the wall, and cut the vines once more, landing easily. He had already taken a deep breath, and closed his mouth shut tight, the gents in his office already working hard to keep clean, fresh air pumping in, and air that was tainted out. 

Perhaps it was the hidden threat against Phoebe that had that calm, controlled demeanor snap. Bruce growled, made a lunch to Nicholas, but pulled himself back short of hurting the boy.

"Phoebe didn't meet Pamela until recently. How could she have taken anything away from you? It's my understanding that she has tried to give you family, and this is the way you repay her? I didn't even know of your existence until Pamela asked me to intervene. So how could I take everything away from you?" 

He drew in a breath, risked it, and found that there was no fear chemical in the room. The boy hadn't done anything, get. "You're a foolish child still, Nicholas. And that's all you'll ever be if you let your father continue to influence you. His lies are poison and you are just a meaningless pawn to him. A means to an end. If I had known, if Pamela had asked for my help sooner, I would have got you out sooner."

He still didn't attack Nicholas, merely watched the boy. And tried not to let the mild fear her felt show. Stronger then he would have thought, but milder then it could have been, And all for Phoebe. 

And then the door opened. 

There was obviously something really wrong with the schools security, if Crane could get in. Panic leaped in him. Had they already done something to Phoebe? He stood straight and appeared to straighten his suit, brush off some dust. As if crane didn't worry him. 

"Johnaton. I must remember to tell Clark that we need an exterminator. It's amazing how many pests slip through our guard" he said quite calmly. 

[center]****[/center]

Pamelia Isley walked through the school, uncarigly it seemed, but she knew something was wrong. She didn't care if she was seen or not. She walked down the hall, and serif Flood, pushed passed him and had the door open in seconds. "Sorry kid, but you're going to have to stay out here" she slipped inside, slamming the door behind her, simply to draw attention to herself.

Part of her wished she could slip back out again when she saw Crane. Her eyes went to Nicholas, and she knew she couldn't. Foolish, wasn't she, to not get what information Flood knew from him. Well. Couldn't be helped now. 

"Well. I've been waiting a long time for this, Johnaton" no senses even trying for any of her toxins. He was always wearing that bloody mask. She looked to Bruce, but he appeared unhurt. 

"Nicholas? I'd like you to leave the room. It's time I pay your father back, for taking me away from you." She smiled an almost cat like smile, drawing the slashed vines in the room to her. 


[center]****[/center]


And there it was, Connor thought. However slight, it was there in her voice. If one just knew how to listen. He pulled away just slightly, and looked to her, giving her his easy, if somewhat shy, smile. 

"Id say lets just ditch class, but we can't since we took most of yesterday off"