They say that the more things change, the more things stay the same. That couldn't be more true for the kids of Salt Bay High. Every kid had their clique and every clique had their place. The schoolyard rules regarding the division and social hierarchy of the cliques were unwritten yet strictly adhered to. Fear and insecurity ruled the school halls with an iron fist. The fear of being singled out and cursed with the untouchable status was very real. Such an anxiety made the students themselves dare not stand out, dare not venture outside their respective cliques. Doing so would incur bullying and possible ostrasization. Because of this, it wasn't very common for people from different cliques to never socialise, let alone fraternise.

Unbeknownst to all but the very few, such a social division was put in place and enforced by the old Royals. By going after the few kids daring enough to stand out in any way, kept the rest of the kids scared. When people were scared, they were easy to keep in line. Fear bred obedience in an environment where no group had the power to have mercy. The school yard of Salt Bay High was such a place. 

When the Old Royals fell apart, the social hierarchy became looser. Cliques were free to intermingle with one another. Kids weren't targeted for being too "weird". Mostly, people just kept to themselves. Things were normal, at least, for a while. 

Many powerful alliances have been formed and disbanded throughout the schools tumultuous history, though few would garner more of a reaction than the formation of the New Royals. For the kids of Salt Bay High, whom have had older siblings during the reign of the Old Royals, this would signal the return of the bad old days. Sadly, they had no idea how right they would be.

Such an oppressive social arrangement appealed to Charles, along with anyone of low moral fibre. But he chose to play it cool for now. No doubt the school was filled with tough guys and cool cats. People who would jump at the chance to kick the butts of those who thought themselves better then others. Charles was well aware of the predicament presented to him. But Charles had a plan. By the end of the term, the school will be in the palm of his hand. 

For now, Charles sat in one of the nicer seating areas. Beneath the shade sails, next to the tulip garden. He laughed with his cronies and sycophants. In the back of his mind though, he was planning. He was always planning.