[IC] BlackBrick Academy [CatMint and Winds of Fate] - {Mature}

[WindsOfFate]

Caleb was deep in thought as they walked further into the temple. He was barely noticing anything as he stepped on bone and the sound of crunching broke the silence. He eventually looked up and sighed realizing they had come to a fork in their path. Ambrose was confused as to which way to go and he had looked at Caleb momentarily before quickly looking away. Caleb sighed. He knew he’d fucked up. He felt bad. He was conflicted. How could he keep such a secret from Ambrose? It had been a double edged sword. He was relieved that he’d spilled his secret to Ambrose but Ambrose had further rejected him and it hurt. It hurt to the point that Caleb didn’t know what to do next.

Looking down each path, he closed his eyes and allowed the temple to give away its secrets. A soft breeze came from one of the tunnels and Caleb opened his eyes and pointed.

“The path on the right has a slight breeze, while the one on the left is cold and unyielding. A breeze normally means an exit. My guess is to go where there is no breeze but I could be wrong,” Caleb said not really present but offering his help in the situation. “If you want to split up we can. You go right and I go left,” he added before going silent. He made a circle with his pointer finger and thumb and watched as an orb of light formed. He did it three times and watched as three orbs floated around him.

[catmint]

Ambrose nodded, it was an astute observation, he started down the left passage way. "No..no, it would be stupid to split up in this place." He grumbled and gestured for Caleb to follow him. The additional light lit a further path in front of them. He could saw parts of a skeletons every few steps, and it only increased as they continued down the hallway. Eventually the entire stone floor was covered with old bones, and the crunching from their weight as they crossed echoed loudly. It made Ambrose feel sick to this stomach, but he pushed past those feelings with the knowledge that they had to be getting close.

Finally the hallway opened up into a grandiose room, it was a circular room that had other dark passages just like the one him and Caleb at emerged from. At the center of the room was the staff, a short flight of stairs led up to it. Ambrose's breath caught in his throat as they drew closer. The staff was almost the length of his own height, it looked to be made of metal with strange engravings etched beautifully up and down the sides of it. At the top was a large diamond-like stone that glow faintly. Ambrose could instinctively feel the power emitting from the staff.

"Finally, we made it!" He gasped out and pushed forward eagerly. Recklessly, he darted forward, without even thinking of the potential dangers. Right before he reached the staircase, the stone beneath his foot dropped below him. A short yelp and his jaw smacked into the edge as he fell. Luckily, his hands had caught purchase and the pain from hitting his jaw was overshadowed by the pure adrenaline shooting through him. "Caleb-!" He called out in a panic, his feet kicking out frantically into the darkness below. His hands were too busy holding onto edge of the hole to even think about trying to get magic out of this jam. The depth of the booby-trap was a complete mystery, complete blackness was all one could see. Who knew what dwelt in the caverns below?

[WindsOfFate]

A simple nod was all he could offer Ambrose at this point. He was ready to get this over with and steal a staff that didn't belong to them but some creature that wanted power. Was he truly no better than Codal? Did Ambrose see him as just another creature bent on destroying and spreading chaos? He'd only allowed his power to seep out when they were in trouble or needed help in different situations, but then why did his power not come when he faced the demon? Why had he been so weak against the demonic force? Why had he allowed it to damage him? Caleb shook his head as he tried to focus knowing that if he didn't get it together, they could die in this temple.

Ambrose moved forward and Caleb followed. The sound of crunching bone filled his ears and he closed his eyes briefly to push the sound to the back of his senses while his orbs floated in an atomic pattern around him illuminating the way with the help of Ambrose's orb of light. Caleb really didn't know what he could do to fix Ambrose's view of him. He often thought about the kiss they'd shared that night, and how things had gone so far south after that moment. Sighing, he didn't realize that they had stepped into an open area until Ambrose spoke exclaiming that they had made it. The staff was in front of them giving off dangerous power.

"Ambrose I don't..." was all Caleb could get out before Ambrose dropped and Caleb's eyes widened in shock. He cursed and rushed to Ambrose examining the situation. There was a gap between them. The floor had opened up beneath Ambrose and it seemed that Ambrose was dangling, holding on to whatever edge he could. Caleb's mind began processing various scenarios as he tried to figure out what to do. I can save him if you let me have fun. The inner voices spoke to him and he shook his head. He focused and moved his hand expertly. Thrusting his hand forward he utilized magic to grab Ambrose. The energy wrapped around Ambrose and lifted him, though it drained Caleb. When Ambrose was safe Caleb collapsed to one knee and groaned. The display of power earlier with the Magaldors and now with saving Ambrose was straining his body. Caleb was strong, he was proficient in magic, but he had to remember that every spell weaved, every bit of mana used came with a price.

His nose bled slightly but he picked himself up and wiped it away. "Be careful," he said to Ambrose regaining his composure.

[catmint]

Ambrose felt the force of magic lift him up and out of the hole and drop him onto solid ground. He sat a moment, clutching the collar of his shirt as he struggled to catch his breath. There had to be other traps like that to protect the staff. He looked back at Caleb, a bit shocked to see the blood dripping from his nose. "Caleb-! Are you alright?" He asked, shuffling a bit closer. For a moment his hand to reached to Caleb, at last moment he retracted it as Caleb wiped it away and straightened up.

"Right. Sorry." He gulped and pulled himself to his feet, dusting off his clothes. He returned his attention to the center of room, this time studying it closer. "Well... I know a spell that could possibly bring float the staff over to us... another one that could make me and anything i touch act as if it was low-gravity..." Ambrose fell silent as he tried to think. Who knew what would happen once they took the staff from it's stand. "Maybe we should figure out our exit plan first..." Ambrose glanced around them, counting the other dark passageways that surrounded them.

There were six in total, including the one they emerged from. "We could try that same trick you did earlier.. Try and take the one more likely to have an entrance to the surface." He explained, this time stepping carefully as he circled around the room, stopping briefly in front of each to feel the air. Finally he found one that had a red marking above the stone passageway. The breeze was the most noticeable there and Ambrose could even see a flicker of light down off in the distance. "I think we should follow this way out once we're done!" Ambrose called out to Caleb from across the room, who still seemed a bit out of it.

He approached Caleb once again, "You sure you're ready for this...?" He was a bit of unsure of the state Caleb was in right now, it only put him more on edge to see him so unlike himself. "You want me to try and get it or you? I'm fine with trying again." He offered with a slight shrug of his shoulders. He was of course nervous to try another attempt, but it was overshadowed by his eagerness to return back to the academy.

[WindsOfFate]

There was concern in his eyes when Caleb looked into them but even then he knew it was just because Ambrose was a genuinely nice guy who cared about the well-being of others. Such a kind heart had no business in a temple so far from home with Caleb of all people. He noticed he had scooter closer to him and Caleb wondered what was going through his mind. I can tell you

Caleb stepped back as if afraid that Ambrose would further reject him as if he would say something else to crush him. It seemed odd to be in this situation. Here they were, they had found the staff and now came the issue of retrieving it.

“I doubt magic will touch such a sacred relic, my guess is once’s it’s removed you will find out what happens. It could be a swarm of deadly creatures, could be a barrage of arrows or something more sinister. Creating an escape plan is best since our only exit is the entrance we took coming in,” Caleb said as he cleared his throat and exhaled calming his body. “I promised I would keep you safe Ambrose and I will do just that. ILLUMEN ALHMA!”

The orbs of light shot from Caleb and covered every inch of the room. Ambrose had found an exit and Caleb nodded. “I will get it for you, just promise you won’t stay behind you’ll take it and go.”

[catmint]

Ambrose swallowed thickly and flinched a bit when Caleb completely illuminated the room. Ambrose shook his head and took a hesitant step towards Caleb. He really didn't like the attitude Caleb had, no matter how he felt about his peer, there was no way he would let him sacrifice himself. From a practical standpoint, Caleb was the strongest of their group and the closest to the headmaster. "Don't talk like that." He paused, "Listen, I'll take it. Just have my back when we leave. I have a feeling we're gonna be running." It was unlike for Ambrose to take control like this, but he truly felt like it was the right thing. Ambrose didn't wait for Caleb to try and stop him.

He approached the flight of stairs leading up to the staff, he gulped and cautiously stepped up. His hand shook as it reached out to touch the cold metal of the staff. The air around the staff was electric, pulsating even. Ambrose's whole body stiffened when his fingers made contact, as if he was by shocked by an electrical current. But he had the strength to grip it it tightly and pull it towards him. In the instant he took the staff, the whole temple rumbled as if in protest. The ground shook beneath them, the bones literally rattling. Ambrose's whole body shook from the pure magic power of the staff.

Sense of urgency overtook him, "Come on!" He yelled as the rumbling increased. He forced his legs to run, and as he passed Caleb he pulled him by his hand towards the passageway with the red marking. "Caleb, light up his hallway!" Ambrose at this point had to yell, the rumble was almost deafening. One last glance behind him, Ambrose could see the room they left behind was starting to fall apart. His stomach dropped though when he saw something else emerging behind them. A gigantic creature clawed it's way out from the rubble, pulling itself from the depths and into the passageway. The smell of it filled the hallway, it barely even fit in the passageway. "Oh god!" He cried out in fear and willed himself to run faster with Caleb in tow.

[WindsOfFate]

Even now Caleb wondered why Ambrose didn't follow through with the plan. Caleb wasn't sacrificing himself, but he didn't think of himself as anything worth saving if it came to it. All the lives he had snuffed out from the worlds he had consumed, it would be mere penance to die to help save those he cared about. Ambrose had a different plan. It seemed that no matter what he thought of Caleb he wouldn't let him do what he needed to do, he wouldn't and it made Caleb wonder if there was a part of Ambrose that could possibly like him though he doubted it now after what he'd revealed to him. Caleb only nodded after Ambrose finished speaking and watched as he slowly made his way towards the staff. Ambrose was careful and Caleb realized his mouth was open and he'd stopped breathing. He quickly inhaled as Ambrose grabbed the staff and a loud rumbling began. This was it. They were going to be buried alive if they didn't get out of the temple and out fast.

Ambrose ran by him but not before grabbing his hand and yanking him. Caleb nearly fell over but quickly regained his footing and ran with Ambrose. The orbs of light followed him, shooting into the tunnel before Caleb sent them ahead to light the way. Bones, bones everywhere. The path was littered with countless skeletons and Caleb wondered why, but then he got his answer when Ambrose cried out fear laced in his voice. Caleb turned just in time to see the creature emerging and his eyes widened.

"This was a bad idea," he commented as they continued to run. "I"ll try to slow it down, keep running and don't stop, the orbs will light the way."

[catmint]

The light Ambrose had spotted earlier was still so faint, the orbs of light Caleb produced made the passageway clear, but the end was still not in sight quite yet. Despite him and Caleb sprinting as fast they could. At this point the rumbling was nearly deafening, yet Ambrose could only hear his heart wildly thumping in his chest. He gripped the staff in his hand tight to cause pain, growing used to the shocks of energy it sent up his spine.

In the back of his mind he could hear the beast behind them roar and thumping in pursuit. But Caleb's voice cut through everything. Ambrose couldn't precisely understand what Caleb meant at first. As they panted and sprinted the gigantic creature crunched the bones beneath it's feet and was gradually catching up.

"No! I can't do the rest of this by myself!" He spat out, partially enraged by Caleb's suggestion. He tightened his grip on Caleb's hand and tried to pick up the pace. Finally, the end of the passageway came into view, sunlight shining through. Though still a long way, hope sparked inside of Ambrose and pushing through the burning in his chest he tried to keep up his sprinting.

"We're so close, we can at least make it out!" He exclaimed, trying to ignore the fact that the beast had gained considerable distance on them. He felt the vibrations from each step the creature took. And with each step, it came closer. It was clear that at this rate, they would be caught before they could even get out of the temple.

[WindsOfFate]

Caleb didn’t know what to say. He thought Ambrose hated him but here he was admitting that he couldn’t do it without him that for lack of confirmation he needed him and that made Caleb’s eyes widen in surprise but he didn’t say anything else he kept running feeling Ambrose grip tighten. The sound of bone crunching and stomping became defeating and he looked back to see the creature snapping its jaws as if hungry for them. It was catching up and he had to do something or else they’d both be dead.

Without thinking of the consequences he quickly scooped Ambrose up in mid sprint and his eyes flashed with power as they vanished and reappeared shortly after just on the outside of the temple though the creature was still coming. Caleb placed Ambrose safely on the ledge. There was nowhere for them to go now. If they wanted they could jump but the outcome was certain. Caleb turned to face the oncoming threat.

Let me help

“Fine,” Caleb said out loud as the surge happened once more and his appearance grew dark and sinister. “GOUL MAH BAHL!”

His voice had changed. It sounded like two different people talking at once. Caleb had moved his hand in a circle and a pentagram appeared. He thrust his hand forward piercing the pentagram in several places before the pentagram shot forth smashing into the exit creating a seal that began to envelop the temple. The creature slammed into the barrier but received a nasty shock causing it to roar for its meal had been taken.

Caleb turned to Ambrose and collapsed against this time on both knees as he spit up blood. He was exhausting his mana and it was killing him. He looked up at Ambrose. “You.... you got it?” He asked trying to regain himself.

[catmint]

Ambrose let out a yelp of surprise as he was scooped off his feet, though he wasn't opposed to the fact he didn't ahve to run anymore. The sunlight was blinding as they emerged from the temple. Ambrose didn't even notice the change in Caleb until he turned to face the beast behind them.

His breath caught in his throat as he watched Caleb create the seal, and creature being successfully trapped by the ruined temple. Ambrose shook from the shock of the whole situation, speechless that they even made it out alive.

Caleb collapsed in front of Ambrose, he flinched away from him before realizing he was back to his old self again. Although he quickly notice the blood running from Caleb's mouth. Definitely not a good sign. "Right. Yeah, here's the staff." He held it up slightly, AMbrose pulled himself to his feet and looked around them. It appeared they exited to the backside of the temple, and stood on the edge of a large cliff. "Can you keep going?" He asked Caleb as he turned back towards him. "We need to find a way off the temple grounds to get this to Codal."

[WindsOfFate]

Caleb wiped the blood from his lips with the back of his hand and looked at it for a moment. His mana had to be dangerously low for this to be happening, or it could be the fact that he had transformed twice in one day. His Incyus form drew on his life force each time, it was like a double-edged sword. Powerful to cleave through obstacles, but easy to destroy the originator. Caleb slowly caught his breath and stood slowly looking at the staff. He observed it trying to figure out what exactly they were about to give Codal.

"Are we really about to give this to him? It's powerful, dangerous," Caleb replied giving a nod to indicate he could continue. How they would get down was a different story. "Do you remember how to create stairs with the landscape around you? Should've been in the basics, Adventurer's Magic Guide."

Caleb stepped towards Ambrose and felt dizzy. He steadied himself and tried to focus. "If you want I can show you how to do it." Caleb didn't look too good. The color was slowly draining from his face and he was looking pale.

[catmint]

Ambrose wiped the sweat from his brow and wactedh Caleb carefully. He didn't understand what was happening to him, but it was clear he was getting very sick very fast. He followed's Calebs gaze to the staff grasped in his hand. At first the currents it sent through him were overwhelming, almost painful but the longer he held it, the more used he got used to the feeling of magic flowing through him. "I know. This thing could do a lot of damage..." His voice trailed off as he pictured Codal's sharp grin in his head.

"No. I remember how to do it." He shook his head and held up his free hand. First a flat palm, then close the pinky and ring finger. Murmur the chant quietly then push your palm out and draw a straight line downwards. Amrbose walked through all the steps in his head and as he did the a wooden staircase appeared from the lip of cliff down into the foliage below.

Letting out a sigh of relief, He tested the first step gingerly. It seemed pretty stable to him and started down the rest. Ambrose gestured for Caleb to follow him as he started down the staircase. It didn't take them long to completely descend to the bottom. Ambrose stepped off into the under brush and glanced around. As soon as his foot touched the solid ground a shiver ran up his spine.

Codal stepped out from the shadows, grinning wider then ever and yellow eyes looking the staff up and down. "Glad to see you two made it out." He paused and sneered at Caleb, noting his weakened state. "Hand over the staff sweet thing, and I'll get you the knife you so desire." Codal's voice was velvet, and he took a confident step towards Ambrose, a clawed hand reaching out.

[WindsOfFate]

Caleb was weak, it showed all over his body. He needed rest, he needed to get back to BlackBrick and speak to the Headmaster. It wasn't strange to him, he knew what was happening. When he had come to this realm he had taken on this form, this human form, it was frail and weak and could barely contain his Incyus form. His human form suffered greatly whenever he transformed, whenever the Incyus within him took over. Though his human form could very much die, his Incyus form would live on, but it would be harder to take on another human form. Caleb smiled as he watched Ambrose perform the necessary movements to cast the spell to create the stairs from nature. It was like a proud teacher-student moment, but he realized he didn't teach Ambrose anything. Still, he was very proud of him from how far he'd come in his casting.

"You've improved, you're amazing," Caleb commented as he stepped carefully onto each step. When they reached solid ground, Caleb groaned as Cadol made his appearance. Everything in him was screaming for Codal not to get the staff, but what could he do? Ambrose was leading this mission not him and he trusted Ambrose's decision on what he would do. If they needed to get out quickly he would use the last of his energy to get them to safety, but for now, he sighed and shook his head.

"I should punch you in the face for that stunt," Caleb said glaring at Codal.

[catmint]

Ambrose stiffened and look between the two. Codal paused and laughed at Caleb's weak attempt at a threat. "You couldn't punch a leaf at the state you're in." His yellow eyes glinted in amusement. His attention turned back to Ambrose as he moved closer to him and the staff. "Now, sweet thing, hand it over." Ambrose tensed up instinctively and shuffled back a view steps. His hesitation made Codal's face twist into a terrifying mask of rage before returning back to his normal features.

"Fine. Let me show you what you two need so badly." Codal snapped his fingers and suddenly they weren't by the ruins of a temple. They were in a completely different part of the rain forest. They stood in a clearing, that looked like it could have been a part of civilization. It was beautiful, cottages that had been reclaimed by nature. Codal retrieved a engraved box, unlatching it up and opening it to reveal the knife they had come so far for. "Here. This is absolutely necessary to your survival-" He snapped the lid shut, "But you won't get it unless I get that staff."

Ambrose swallowed thickly and gave one last glance to Caleb before turning back to Codal. He handed over the staff, a shaky sigh escaping his lips as he did so. Codal's grin grew impossibly large as he marveled at the object in his hands. The diamond=like stone at the top rapidly changed colors, before being stained a deep red, as if it had been corrupted. "Good boy." Codal tossed the box to Ambrose, who barely caught it.

"Our deal has been fulfilled, you're free to leave. I suggest you do it soon." Codal winked at Ambrose before disappearing right in front of their eyes. Ambrose let out a breath in relief and clutched the box to his chest. His knees shook as he turned to Caleb. he was ashmed of his decision, even if it was the only one they could have took. He couldn't look Caleb in the eyes as he spoke to him. "Can you make it back to the academy?"

[WindsOfFate]

Even though Caleb wanted to launch at Codal, the creature was right. In his state, he would definitely fall with any attempt at fighting anyone. Still, it didn't stop the look of hatred on his face as he looked at Codal. He was so eager to get the staff, so hungry for it and it showed in his face the moment Ambrose resisted. Caleb said nothing, he observed. One minute they were on the outskirts of the temple, the next they were in an overrun village. Nature had its way of reclaiming what belonged to it. Caleb found it beautiful, he found it calming, but when he saw the knife they needed he realized they were really about to give this madman the staff. What would be the consequences of their actions?

The exchanged happened, and Caleb found himself leaning against a tree. When Codal was gone he slid to a sitting position looking up at Ambrose. Ambrose asked him if he could make it back and he nodded. "I have enough energy to get there. Keep it safe," he said to Ambrose resting his head against the tree. What would they do once they retrieved all of the blades they needed? There was no telling what the demon had done while they were out dealing with other things, other dark sinister beings. It occurred to Caleb that once they relieved their school of the demon then what? What would come next? Would they have to face off against Codal? With that staff, the creature was definitely a threat.

Silence fell on them as Ambrose would realize that Caleb had passed out. He would notice a gash on the side of his body and blood would be slowly seeping out.

[catmint]

Ambrose peeked into the box for one last look at the knife before tucking it under his arm. Finally, they could take a breath before going back to face their real problem. It all seemed so far away in this lost village, everything was calm in this moment. Ambrose couldn't bring himself to think about Codal and the staff, he could only focus on the next step. Which was traveling back to the academy. "Right. Good, lets go." He took a deep breath and waited for Caleb to get up from the tree.

A moment passed, and Ambrose thought maybe he was too exhausted. He approached Caleb, "Hey..?" His breath caught in his throat when he first spotted the blood. It was coming from a gash on Caleb's side. "Oh god." he dropped down trying to stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the wounds. "Shit shit shit shit..." Panicking as the blood kept seeping through his fingers.

Frantically Ambrose performed the spell for travelling back to the academy. Ambrose quickly turned back to Caleb's limp body, gathering up what he can to carry him through the portal. The two tumbled through with a heavy thud. Ambrose scrambled up and set the box on the library table. Ambrose, breathing heavily as he tried once again to stop the bleeding by applying pressure. "Caleb! Wake up!" He cried out, praying that someone else had returned and able to help.

[WindsOfFate]

He was very much aware, but the blood loss had him very weak and he couldn't respond. It was like he was far away from everything, in a space where he felt no pain, no chaotic thoughts, just silence, and peace. It was welcoming. Subconsciously he felt himself being hefted up by Ambrose and he also felt the tumble through the portal that took them back to BlackBrick Academy. By now everyone had returned but Alex and they all had boxes in their hand. They were sitting around waiting for Caleb, Ambrose, and Alex, but when Caleb and Ambrose returned with an unconscious Caleb, their eyes widened.

"What the hell happened?" Sam asked panic laced in her voice.

"Does it matter, get him to the infirmary immediately," Ariana cut in as she rushed over to help Ambrose.

Caleb tried to talk, tried to tell them he was fine, that he was in a peaceful place, a place where he didn't feel pain or worry at all, but his mouth wouldn't open.

"Come on, let's go, grab the boxes and hide them," Sam said to Jeremy as she checked Caleb's pulse. "It's faint, very faint, let's GO!"

[catmint]

He stared down at Caleb's limp body, wondering if they would have to conitinue on without him. He didn't even realize how much it hurt to face that reality until now. He was snapped out of his thoughts as Sam and Ariana spoke up. Ambrose nodded and shaily pulled himself up, Ariana picking up Caleb's and Ambrose pulling Caleb up by his shoulders. Ambrose couldn't bring himself to check around the library to see if everyone else was successful. He felt overwhelmingly sick.

Ariana and Ambrose staggered over to the infirmary with Caleb in tow, as soon as they got there the school doctor jumped up and helped him to a bed and got to work. In a couple minutes a few helping hands joined. Ambrose and Ariana sat in a small waiting room, and after a couple hours a nurse came out to inform them Caleb was making progress. He wasn't out of the woods but they had some of the best healers working on him. Ariana took care of the details, coming up with a simple but believable backstory. Ambrose sat silently, eyes fixed on the ground. Once they were alone Ariana tried to talk to him, asking what happened. But Ambrose said nothing, still shaking silently, trying to process everything in his head.

Eventually Ariana left to tell everyone else in the library about Caleb's condition and try to get in touch the headmaster. Ambrose had a feeling though that he already knew. Ambrose stayed in his seat motionless for hours, it didn't feel right to stay there but it felt worse to just go hide in his dorm room. He didn't know where to go from here.

[WindsOfFate]

"It is strange isn't it? Sitting here pondering over things when you already know the answer," the Headmaster said as he strolled in as casually as he always did. This time his gaze was not as intrusive as it normally was. It was as if he were looking at Ambrose with a complete understanding of what had happened on their mission, and perhaps he did know. The Headmaster had a way of seeing what others could not. His eyes seemed to pierce the veil of the hidden, revealing the truth behind it all. "Caleb will be alright Ambrose, but I am concerned that you are harboring feelings you don't understand. Do you wish to tell me what happened or should I guess?" the Headmaster asked with a soft welcoming smile on his face as if he were trying to help, betraying the creature he truly was on the inside.

Caleb's eyes opened slowly but he was under so much medication for the pain that he slipped right back under only speaking Ambrose's name which the nurses picked up on and sighed.

Sam sat in the library with everyone, Alex had returned and had managed to snatch two blades, that meant that they had uncovered six of the seven holy blades. Where could the last one be?

"We have to put them somewhere safe, somewhere only we have access to."

"What about here? We can bind them here until we find the seventh blade," Ariana said.

"Damn, Caleb was a pro at this," Sam admitted wiping a tear from her eye. "He's such an ass. He knows how much I care and he goes and puts himself in harms way so easily."

"Caleb does what it takes, he's always been that way ever since I met him," Ariana replied. "Still, he's only human, and I hope Ambrose doesn't blame himself for it."

"That's just it when they left they seemed fine, but I could feel a distance between them on their return. It's odd, but then again Caleb was unconscious so who knows."

Sam sighed and Alex shrugged his shoulders not wanting to get into the discussion.

[catmint]

Ambrose was finally shaken from his thoughts, only someone like the Headmaster could have done something like that so easily. He shot to his feet, without even thinking about it. The Headmaster commanded respect wherever he went, even if he wasn't has intense as he usually was, there would always be a certain atmosphere around him. Except this time it was different, Ambrose knew the reason. He felt the comforting pull of the Headmaster, this time his voice and smile felt like a soft blanket, pulling away the layers and revealing Ambrose's true self.

Perhaps any other time Ambrose would be completely entranced, but he couldn't stop thinking about Caleb's unnerving smile as he unleashed the beast from inside him. "I'm glad Caleb isn't going to die..." He admitted softly, maintaining the Headmaster's gaze, almost afraid to look away. "And I have a lot of feelings, especially since Caleb told me what you two really are." He hissed, glaring up at the the Headmaster despite the fact his knees shook. He paused, making sure no one was in earshot. "And I have a feeling that you're hiding more then just that. Especially with this thing we're fighting." Fists clenching, Ambrose steeled himself for the Headmaster's response.

Jeremy was sitting next to Alex, listening to the two girls converse about the situation. The fact was, Jeremy was the first one of the group to get back with a blade. During that time he was approached by a slender classmate, introducing himself as Morgan. Morgan revealed he knew the location of the final knife they needed, and would only give the location in exchange for some kind of reward. Jeremy had been trying to figure the entire time how he would share this news with the rest of the group, and then of course Ambrose and Caleb crashed back in with some new crazy drama.

Jeremy cleared his throat, getting up and catching the attention of everyone else. He explained in terms as simple as he could. A moment of silence passed before the room erupted into arguments and yelling, everyone having a different idea on how to handle the situation. Jeremy wanted to give into Morgan, Alex was completely on the fence, and Sam wanted to teach Morgan a lesson.

"Guys, shut up!" Finally Jeremy snapped, getting the room to calm down. "We can't even make a decision until Caleb and Ambrose are back." He paused, "We might even need to inform the Headmaster... Although I would rather not to..." His voice trailed off, and resumed his seat next to Alex.