[hr][hr][center][h1][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171227/58898862b70ef6f536620a61eec29cfd.png[/img][/h1][hr][img]https://media1.tenor.com/images/ba3d7a5414fd8cf7bb66c80f4bd1ae5d/tenor.gif?itemid=6184203f[/img][hr][b]Location[/b]: the Alucard Institute [@Nallore][/center][hr][hr]	The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had given Carolina and October a quick briefing on everything they knew about the 0-8-4. Its origin was thought to be Asgardian, yet the device was sensitive to those with extraordinary abilities. While this ability on the surface was simply a glorified deviance detector, it had the potentially to be much more dangerous if in the wrong hands. Beyond this, S.H.I.E.L.D. had relatively little data. 

	More alarmingly, they had next to nothing on the school's headmaster, Faust. According to all of their records, he didn't exist. There were no photographs of him from which a facial recognition search could be performed, as well as no DNA or prints to analyze. To know one's enemy is to be able to defeat him. To this end, October and Carolina's first task was to find as much evidence as possible as to Faust's true identity - and if possible, gather more intelligence on the 0-8-4. Where did it come from? How did Faust intend to use it? 

	Why did Faust set up this academy for those with talents?

	"Remember, you can tell no one that you are part of this initiative," Agent Coulson had reminded them on countless occasions. "If you are in trouble, the rings we've given you double as panic buttons. Press on the gem three times and it'll signal us to come in."

	Of course, there was a large assumption that the technology would work. Magic had a way of disrupting such signals. But it was, supposedly, better than nothing at all. The rings were rather nondescript, allowing them to hopefully not be detected. They were also given tubes of lipsticks that were actually miniature cameras, and mascara tubes that could be used to store samples. October had wrinkled her nose at most of these spy gadgets, finding them to be a bit sexist. 

	"They were used by the Howling Commandos," Agent Coulson reminded the girls. "These are priceless artifacts--use them well." [hr][center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/67/9f/05/679f056f26d7466f6c903ae2969c856a.gif[/img][/center][hr]	October clipped her flower into her hair, completing her morning routine. Over the past few days, they hadn't been able to obtain much in the way of evidence. Their lessons had been run by the heads of Absinthe house, with Faust remaining in his study. When they had attempted to break in, the lock had been enchanted. Their attempts to pick it had been useless. However, this was their first real chance. They were supposed to have a lesson today from the headmaster, as he taught only during weekdays. 

	[color=fdc68a]"A History of Persecution,"[/color] October mused, reading the title of the course from the piece of paper. There was a one sentence description underneath it. The course was focusing on atrocities committed by normals against those with abilities - those with deviances. The Salem Witch Trials was on the syllabus. A criticism of so called traitor, Charles Xavier, had been listed as well. 

	[color=fdc68a]"Carolina, are you ready?"[/color] October asked, tossing a ball of fire back and forth from one hand to the other. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Bonnie Chase had given the two of them medical treatment, allowing October to be almost fully healed. The medicine was almost certainly banned by the FDA, yet her injuries were remarkably better. They hadn't entirely healed and she was sore, but she'd be able to fight if needed. [color=fdc68a]"I don't want to miss a discussion of angry mobs,"[/color] October added. [color=fdc68a]"I love a good mob. Especially if they've got torches - pitchforks are okay, but they don't quite grab me."[/color]