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"Hey there, pal," It was a mocking voice: an almost disingenuous sounding one. "Uh, looks like you've been pretty busy. Well, if you ever get an opportunity again I’d love to talk. Knowing oneself means acknowledging one’s actions, after all…” There was a pause. “... Not feeling up to responding to me? Alright. That’s fine. I’ll be waiting. I’ve always found some odd interest in you... You walking contradiction.”

Slowly, Caernarvon’s eyes opened to reveal the bare cobbles of the street surrounding him. A newspaper sat on his lap reading “Legacy of Bloodshed: A Documentary of the Three Stripes Gang.” Oh yeah, he remembered it now. How he had been following the trail of corpses all the way here; to Syne Academy. For the first few seconds it felt like he had to remember everything, from breathing to simple language skills. He hadn’t gotten much sleep last night and his eyes felt like small invisible tea bags hung from their lids, but there was something within him forcing his very spirit on. It was surely a futile effort, wasn’t it though?

The man groaned, pulling the newspaper from his lap and standing back up. He had spent the whole night on that solitary bench and once again the streets sprang to life in the morn. Due to the apparent curfew they had been far more dead lately, leaving Caernarvon almost alone in solitude every night with that voice just barely tugging at the back of his mind. Now it was time to continue his search, though. He needed both information and allies: both of which had been in short supply to him up to this point, but if there was anywhere on this continent he could find them it was here.

Folks passed him stray glances as he walked, removing a cigarette from his coat and striking it up. The academy was supposed to be up so high it was only possible to reach it by airship. It beckoned the trenchcoat-clad man to learn its secrets. Caernarvon obliged, of course. This was where he was going to make his final stand against those bearing three crimson stripes on their uniforms, and he had a valuable lead for the first time since he could remember. He knew that things were about to get pretty heated, most likely ending in some kind of a firefight at the end of it all, but that was where he excelled. If there was one thing Caernarvon could do, it was kill.

He arrived near the school’s entrance gate a about an hour later after boarding the transport vessels, noticing that the air was quite a bit thinner here. He stopped and scanned the area with his eyes awaiting what could be, perhaps, a greeter to guide him. Well, it was worth a shot anyways.

To say the young man wasn't impressed would have been an understatement. Standing off to the side of the landing platform Flip survey the campus yards and its buildings. So this was the Syne Academy that this Kingdom built to defend against the fear of the Grim's. Over the time in his life Flip had been to many of the Kingdoms of this world and though he has never been inside the others Academy he had seen them from the outside looking in. Compared to those this place was but a speck of dust in their eyes in size. But where others might have complained he was graceful.

Flip didn't like the big city's of the other kingdom in their giant walls. It made him feel like he was trapped inside some kind of bird cage rather than safe. Even with this city own walls the mere smaller size helped him lose those thoughts. Still the weights of this new life sat heavy on him as he soon started his walk again. Wearing the academy uniform you would have never taken the young man as a once country bumpkin. Still, he didn't like the outfit all that well, but rules are rules. With his white cloak around him started back toward the buildings when he stopped to watch the airship dock.

It was a tad odd for the ship to arrive at this time of day, but then again what did he know. He almost turned away before noticing a man exiting the ship onto the platform before looking around. This man didn't look lost, but rather like he was waiting for something, or someone. Looking back at the building then back at the platform it didn't seem like anyone was coming out to greet the man so in the end Flip took it upon himself. Also willing to take a small break away from his classes were always welcome.

"Welcome!" The young man said as he walked up the steps of the platform. It was only at this point Flip realized he had no real reason to speak with the man or even knew what he were here to do. The man for all he knew was a teacher, although he didn't look it. Still, he already opened his mouth, he might as well keep it going. "Anything I might can help you with Sir?" He asked stopping a few feet away from the man.

For a moment Caernarvon inspected the docking grounds. A few crates of what he assumed were supplies lay idly off to the side while the landscape was dabbled with shoots of grass trimmed to a point higher than what most would consider standard, lending the grounds a surprisingly natural appearance. The smoke from his cigarette wafting into the air almost felt like an insult to the odd mixture of manmade structures and greenery. There was a fairly large courtyard ahead of him where students striving to become Hunters and Huntresses wandered about, either to reach their next class or perhaps just out of boredom. Caern could relate to the latter.

A VTOL airship took to the air behind him, sending ripples through the brown folds of his cloak as he descended from the stone steps on his way to the i9nnards of the academy in order to find a certain professor. A professor who had since given up teaching. By now, surely nobody was coming to greet him, right?

He was caught off guard when a certain person, presumably a student, approached him since he had been too busy daydreaming to really notice until now. He gave a rather formal greeting and Caern raised a brow in response, throwing his cigarette on the ground and grinding it into the pavement with one of his dress shoes.
“Looking for the administrative offices,” he said, looking Flip in the eyes. “Wait, how rude of me. Name’s Caernarvon, err, self established Private Eye. Pleased to meet you.” He extended an arm and grinned, lips setting into the motion easily, having done that exact same smug looking crease hundreds of times now. “Quite a nice place ya got here. Might send my son here some day. You, uh, do like it here, right?”

It seemed he had caught the man off guard with his question causing Flip to rethink his approach. However, it seems all were well with the man as he spoke. So he had been right when thinking the man wasn't part of the staff, but he never would have guessed the man was what he called "self established Private Eye". Waving the bit of smoke from his face Flip simply nodded at first as he listens to the man. His name was Caernarvon and he did greet Flip well enough, yet it was the man grin that caught his attention. Flip had been to many places and meet more people than he could ever match faces to names, but those with this kind of smile were those you keep an eye on.

Hesitantly he took the man handshake as he introduced himself. "It's a pleasure, Sir. I'm Flip. Student, but I'm sure that's apparent." Now with the introduction out of the way Flip felt like it might have been a better idea not to have gotten involved, but it would have been rude to simply walk away at this point.

Then again people skill wasn't something he was vastly great at as he stared at the man as he talked. Flip couldn't help but wonder if the man really did have a son or not, but answer him all the same. "It's quite nice. Bit smaller than the other Academy's I seen, but then again this the first one I seen from the inside." He said once again looking over the grounds as others walked about over the green top.

However, the man last question caught Flip a little off guard. It wasn't like it was a very weird question to be sure, but it was just something about it seemed odd. Thinking about it Flip only shrug his shoulders. "In truth, I'm sure everyone here loves it. But I don't care too much for the walls and such. Makes everyone feel safe, I just feel caged in like this." Now it was his turned to sound weird he knew. After all, who in their right mind would complain about being safe behind walls meant to keep the Grim's out.

“Ah, no need to call me ‘sir’. Only got some pretty loose ties with the feds,” Replied Caernarvon, putting his hands into his coat pockets. “But yeah. If you really think about it, we’re all sort of trapped in a sea of those things. Imagine a smaller campus would kind of break the illusion of freedom in some sort of, uh, sense.” He proceeded to scratch the back of his neck with his right arm, grin transforming into a goofy smile. “Anyhow, can’t say I know my way around here all that well seeing as I just got here. Mind guiding me to the offices, pal? Here, I’ll even take the lead.”

Caern proceeded to walk past Flip, hoping he would follow along and serve as a bit of a chauffeur as he became more accustomed to his surroundings. In truth, he had been to almost all the academies there were, and knew that this particular one was a tad bit smaller due to some information he had dug up before. On the other hand, he knew this ‘Flip’ fellow looked friendly enough… But he was perceptive. Likely not near as perceptive as he was, but Caernarvon could see the little changes in his face that showed off his state of mind, catching a slight hint of suspicion in Flip’s eyes. People who met him usually didn’t reach such a nonverbal opinion so quickly, so Caern resolved himself to keep a bit of a closer watch as his visit continued.

As he began to slowly walk in the direction of the facilities the smile faded from his face and he took out another smoke, sinking into his thoughts. ‘Wonder what the Stripes could want with Syne of all places. All that’s here are students, professors and plentiful amounts of dust….. Oh yeah. Well, In that case, I’d better find Frisk as soon as possible or heads will be rolling soon.’

Listening to the man Flip slowly loosen up around him. He didn't know why he felt on guard around the Caern, just old habit he told himself as he pulled his phone out and looked at the time. He still had time before his next class so he nodded his head at the man request. "I'm still new here myself, but I know enough to get you to the offices." He said, but Caern had already taken the lead and a started walking.

All well and good to Flip since this was just a way to kill time and he had no real need to lead the man around like a child. Still the there was just something he felt a bit off about this man and is arrived to the school. What need would a Private Eye have to come to the academy? Especially an Huntsmen academy. He could have been a speaker coming to help with the detective skills for some classes, but if so then why wasn't there a teacher here to greet him. There was another thought that popped into his head.

"If you don't mind me asking, you happen to be here about the Grimm attacks?" He asked casual, but pointing to the right. "Turn here." The Grim attack itself was hardly of any real interest, but it was what happen during it that souce of so many roumors. Most was just child tales Flip knew but he was still a bit curious about it and for the man rest for being here. He just didn't want to be rude and just right ask the man.

Caernarvon turned upon being prompted as they reached the main campus area, looking over the marble walls and crawling vines of the outer courtyard. There were a few facilities surrounding them, with the classroom areas towards the left while the faculty areas and their well-polished windows sat on the right. A little cobblestone pathway led up to the gathering of buildings past a few trees and marble fixings, such as benches and a sundial. The birds here sounded different with their long and drawn out calls and Caernarvon regarded them with a bored gaze, at least until he was ready to answer why he was here. For a second he slowed his pace in order to look the student directly in the eyes, trying to appear as serious as possible.

   “Hate to say it, kid, but there’s something a whole lot worse than Grimm hiding around here. Hard to believe, I know,” He stopped and turned around fully to face Flip, setting aside his slight embarrassment for asking directions when the staff buildings were so close by. “For your own safety and others, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. About seven years ago, a band of anarchists spread terror all throughout Bellmuse. You might have already heard the stories about how they left the, errm, bodies,” He let out a puff of smoke, this time deliberately aiming it away from Flip. “The feds liked to hush news about them up, since they never could catch any members of the gang. Well, that was until a certain hunter managed to take one of them alive. That member confessed that nearly everyone within what he called the ‘Three Stripes Syndicate’ were actually androids who were following some charismatic former Huntress named Emily Adder… And that she had the power to change forms,” Simply mentioning her name felt like it made the situation darker. “Now nobody knows what they’re after, but it seems the gang likes to target students in particular; students who specialize in dust attacks. Looks like, for whatever reason, they want a whole lot of dust, and they want it quick. If I were looking to get my hands on large quantities of dust, the armory here at Syne would be quite a juicy target, you know what I’m saying?”

   Caern took a moment to let Flip process this information. He sure had said a mouthful, after all, but hopefully one more person would be aware of the dangers that awaited them now.
  “Anyhow, I, uh, think that Emily might be here right now, posing as a student.” He finished, hoping flip might have perhaps noticed someone suspicious around the campus lately. Even if he didn’t, there was a high probability that the faculty would know more about this.

Coming to a stop facing the detective Flip could only listen as the man gave him a quick history lesson of the Kingdom. A mix wave of concerned and confusing washed over the young man's face. This was the first time he had ever heard of such events, let alone that of a band of anarchists. Seven years ago, he would have been on a whole other continent and news from such small places never travel far. Or if he had ever heard of it, he didn't remember. Most people in the world tend to only really keep an ear open for tales of the White Fangs.

"Well, I really can't say I know much of what you're talking about. I only came to live here just over half a year ago. I had no idea this place had such a history." He said, stepping back slightly, thankful the man blow his smoke away this time. "A band of androids, a woman who can change form, and attacks on students! It all sounded more like some far fetched story made too scared kids. Then again, that would explain that odd curfew..." Suddenly crossing his arm and thinking. It was only one Beowolf that got into the school, or at least that's what he heard, and even a first year should have no problem with a lone one.

Snapping back to the man's words Flips eyes narrowed at the last bit. "If that's true you sure you should be telling this to someone you just meet? After all, you really don't know who I am, or do I really know you." He couldn't help wondering about it all. If what the man said was true then that mean the school had been infiltrated by a terrorist cell. Worst off that also mean the school, or anyone really, couldn't act openly less they give the cell an big red light and lose their chance at taking them down. "If this is all true, I don't envy you guys at all. Guess that's what that feeling I been having was. As if people are walking on eggshells." Letting out a sigh Flip gave in to his inner thought as he loosen the tie around his neck a bit. "I can help don't hesitate to ask. I might not can do much, but I'll do what I can. This is what I'm training to do after all, right? Oh! I'll keep this all to myself. You wouldn't want rumors going around now would you?"

“No. This is something you should tell those you trust about, just don’t let this info fall into the wrong hands. Listen, I can tell you’re not working for the Stripes just by looking at you, but there could be a few agents scattered here and there to scout the place out before they make their next attack. I’d keep on the look out,” He exhaled again, similar to how he had done it before. “But yeah, even though I don’t know you, I thought it would be safe to talk about it. Again, I think I can trust you, and I appreciate your offer to help me, but you gotta understand that getting any further into these matters could put your life at risk. I need to know if you’re ready to go that far for a stranger like me, even if it’s for the right reasons.”

   Truth be told, Caern needed as many allies as he could get and was slightly relieved by Flip’s willingness to help. But he feared that the whole debacle could end up getting the boy hurt, especially since they were going to be dealing with Emily. Frisk would probably give him hell for even thinking of taking someone as young-looking as him along, but Caern had a good feeling about Flip; like he was ready for whatever might come his way. He could only hope that, if the boy decided to offer his assistance after all, his hidden strength would keep him safe.

   Even though he was usually extremely perceptive, Caernarvon was only just able to make out the shadowy figure lurking behind one of the faraway marble pillars as it faded from sight without a trace. He stood frozen for a moment before turning back around and walking at an accelerated place.
   “You can tell me your answer on our way to Frisk’s office. I got a bad feeling about this.” The detective said gravely.

Flip had to hand it to the man, he made a lot of good points. Flip would not say he was an expert at this sort of thing. Hell, he said he could help, but really now. What was there for a country bumpkin like himself to do in a game of shadows. Still a side of him refused to allow himself to sit back and do nothing. "You might be right. But there also a risk in not knowing. What would happen if something did happen or worst some sort of attack. Confusing would be just as deadly as a knife."

He felt like this was all true and to him it made sense. He would much prefer to be in the loop of things, then to stay ignorance bliss. Then there was the real question: Could he really trust the man? And in truth he couldn't really say yes or no. This was so much information to take in at once let along from someone he had never even met before. Just before Flip could give his answer there seemed to be some sort of spark in Caern eyes as he suddenly wanted they hurried along.

Picking up his step with the man Flip thought hard on it and soon gave his answer as they closed in on Frisk’s office. "You are right, I have no reason to trust you, no offense. But if I happen to hear the same from the professors I be more inclined to believe this story." This was his thought anyways.

Caern felt a cold sweat on his body as he continued walking, trying to preoccupy himself with Flip’s words. While he was pretty sure the stranger didn’t overhear his conversation, he did know that they would recognize him easily. The detective didn’t think they would have such a network set up already, but maybe it was just a student acting suspicious? But no. That was not some mere student.

“There’s one guy here who knows what’s going on, but he’s been retired for awhile now.” He tossed his cigarette aside threw open one of the wrought iron doors leading into the school, hearing a rhythmic tapping as his dress shoes traversed the shiny marble floors below. “Now here’s some good news. For you, at least: The Stripes kill only people who know too much about them or deal with dust. It says something when they haven’t been going after me, despite the fact I know the most of pretty much anyone in Bellmuse about their little organization.” The detective approached a long, stone desk situated to the right of the entrance where a bored looking woman chewing bubble gum sat reading the same newspaper Caernarvon had been reading earlier that morning. “Looking to see Dr. Frisk Bordain.” Said the detective. She ceased her chewing a moment and looked up, eyes first falling on Caern and then on Flip.
“You mean that old professor with the goggles?” She asked with a raised brow.
“He try playing random people in chess all the time?”
“Mhm…” She nodded.
“Well, sounds like that’s the one I’m looking for.” Caern chuckled.

The woman briefly pointed towards an adjacent hallway. “You can usually find him there… Playing chess.”
“Thank you kindly.” The detective said with a nod before turning to Flip.
“Now if you haven’t met Frisk, let’s just say he’s a little, errm…” He raised the leftmost portion of his lips. “Quirky. He knows more about this issue than most people, so let me make this clear: if you’re willing to go through with this, I can provide you the proof you want. But I’m gonna need a yes or no answer. So, pal. Do you really want to go into this any further?”

Following behind Caern as he speeds up in his walk mark the first red flag in Flip mind. Why were they suddenly in a hurry? Did Caern noticed something he didn't or was there something else? Still, he didn't feel like leaving this just yet and a part of him wonder if he could? Caern said they group only attacked those who knew too much or had dealt with dust. Well, he wasn't much of a dust user, but the first bit...

He did now know far more than he would have ever learned on his own, so at this point would it be safe to just walk away? Flip didn't think so. His resolved in this grew a bit stronger as they reached a desk with a secretary sitting behind it. After a few words with the woman Flip learn they was looking for a man name Dr. Frisk Bordain. He knew of the old professor in name only, having seen it on the day of he got his class.

"You keep saying I have a choice and maybe I do. But really I don't feel like it at this point." He said straight to the point looking Caern in the eyes. "Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying no. At this point I don't think I can just walk away knowing all this is happening in the Kingdom I plan on calling home." He said turning and walking toward the old professor. He knew how dumb this was. Still trying to play hero like this was a fairy tale story. Yet, another part of him wanted this!

(kinda of a short post XD)

For a second, the detective frowned and inspected the boy in front of him in slight confusion. After a moment that gave way to a little grin.
“... Heh.” Grunted the detective. “Neutrality’s always the easiest option to take, isn’t it? Quite a few times in my own life I wish I could have remained neutral.” He started walking down the adjacent hallway, motioning with one hand for Flip to follow. “Welp, come along then. You’re about to figure out what I’ve spent the past eight years of my life doing.” Assuming the boy did follow, they would be heading down that same hallway for a fair amount of time before coming upon a lone office towards the end with a nameplate reading “Dr. Frisk Bourdain” plastered near the entrance. The door was shut, made of polished oak and brandishing a shining brass doorknob.

Caernarvon almost felt apprehensive as he placed his hand on the knob. Apprehension was something he hardly ever experienced, but in this case things were different. After a brief moment he took a deep breath and opened the door to reveal a small room, populated by two people: one, a grey-haired man who was wearing what looked to be an eyepiece of a microscope on his left eye, and two; a far younger boy with bleached white hair and similar colored skin. His eyes were ice cold, calculating. They both were fixated on a lone chessboard for a few seconds, seeming to have to tear themselves away just to acknowledge the presence of the newcomers.
“Oh, goodness. Interrupted again for the second time in one da-.” The older one’s face became filled with disbelief as his eyes locked onto Caernarvon. “No...” He said, dragging this simple word out, “King Cae? Is that really you?”
“That nickname’s gonna haunt me the rest of my life.” The detective grumbled.
“Well goodness me, this is truly a momentous occasion! Oh, and I’m sorry, Adren, but would you mind continuing our game at a later time?” The professor asked the boy across from him. ‘Adren’ sighed and stood up, brushing off what looked to be a lab coat.
“Very well. But know that I will win in three moves if you don’t do something.” He said, voice as smooth and cool as ice.
“Oh, I already knew that.” Frisk smirked.

With that, Adren pushed his way past Caernarvon, his stone cold gaze landing on Flip for a longer period than socially expected as he did so, before vanishing into the hallway.
“Please, you two, pull up chairs. We have so much to discuss!” The professor looked downright happy they were here, and deep within him, Caernarvon felt the same way after meeting his friend again.
“This is my ‘guide’. His name’s Flip and he has a few questions about the, errm, case.” The detective said, pulling a chair away from one of the room’s sides and sitting down in front of Frisk’s desk. The professor in question went from joy to direness quickly in his facial expression.
“Oh, is that what this is about, then?” He said. “If you wish to know more, please close the door. We can’t afford to be overheard by anyone right now.”

For some reason Flip could feel himself growing nervous as they grew closer toward the professor's door. If his mother ever found out about this terrorist would be the least of his problems. After opening the door, he quickly spotted two men playing what appeared to be a game of chess. Flip was never good at the game and listening to these two as it seem they each was playing up three moves ahead. Crazy how people could do things like that.

However, he quickly forgot about all that as the young man left the room he stared at what Flip felt was a bit too long on him. What's his problem? He thought before closing the door as requested of him. Walking in next to Caer he took a moment to shoot the man a question. "King Cae?" he asked quietly to Caer before pulling a chair over.

"Thank you, Professor Bordain for letting me stay." He said, leaning a bit forward in his chair. "I'm afraid I'm new to the Kingdom and don't know much about what is happening. Still, if what Cae had said is true, I want to help where I can!"

Caern grumbled a little as Flip announced his nickname.
“Now let me make something clear. If you and I are going to get along, like, ever, you won’t be calling me that name anymore.”
“Oh, please,” Said Frisk. “It’s hardly THAT bad, is it?”
“... You’d be surprised how annoying something can get after a while, old man. Take you, for instance.”
Frisk chuckled heartily and leaned back in his seat, folding both his surprisingly muscle-laced arms behind his neck. He listened attentively as Flip spoke, a bright smile past his grey handlebar mustache.
“Oh, I’m always in need of company,” He said in response to Flip’s first sentence. “That boy, Adren, is even newer here than you, if my memory serves me. Transferred from a different academy altogether, the best in his class. But King Cae here…”
“Stop it.”
“... Is even more new than you, it seems. Hohoho!” The professor’s ‘microscope eye’ began to twist with minute whirs, seeming to focus in on the boy in front of him in greater detail and finally stopping at mid length, the dim light of a lamp mounted on a nearby shelf glinting off the glass. Frisk’s smile faded. “So you wish to learn more, correct? About the Stripes? Very well, I will tell both you and Caernarvon what I know. I assume that’s the reason you’re here in the first place, right detective?”
Caernarvon nodded gravely. “Not wrong.” He said, taking a seat and folding his palms on the tabletop.

Frisk sighed, looking a little apprehensive to share anything.
“Nine years ago, a student named Emily Aderson graduated from Syne academy. I should know about her most of all, as I was her mentor. She was part of the notorious team ‘ENVY’, easily the strongest and most ambitious of the group. All she ever really talked about was how she was going to ‘destroy all the Grimm’. How she would actually do something about it unlike the apparent cowards of our government. I never thought she was a bad girl, always helping those in need and sowing her unique brand of vigilante justice to anyone brave enough to call themselves a bully. The worst anyone saw her do was go a little to hard on the opposition, so we never thought it would come to this. I distinctly remember that she had a very unusual semblance: the ability to change forms at will. It made her a truly terrifying opponent in battle, even if it wasn’t all that effective against Grimm, the very creatures she aimed to destroy,” Frisk paused a moment, both eyes looking down at the chessboard in front of him solemnly. “She made friends with a group of rogue androids whose primary directive was the destruction of all Grimm by any means necessary. From what sources claim, they were supposed to be activated when something called ‘protocol 54’ was set in motion, but instead were prematurely awakened by Emily after a raid on Cruse Industrial facilities. After that they started stealing large amounts of dust all throughout Bellmuse, being one of the only large and dangerous crime syndicates to exist in our country. Often times they only stole from other criminal groups, which is where the gruesome bodies came from, but they weren’t above simply robbing dust shops. Unfortunately, nobody really knows what they’re planning on doing with all the dust they’ve amassed.”
“Thanks for the recap, but you texted me that you thought you knew where Emily was here at Syne,” Said Caernarvon. “I’ve been tracking her down for eight years now. I NEED this lead.”
Frisk nodded. “While Emily can appear like anyone, that doesn’t mean she can emulate their actions. There was a rather bratty girl named Sarah who liked to pick on other girls in the hallways, but she’s suddenly done a complete 180 in the course of a single day, instead helping the less popular out. Sarah used to be in one of my classes, and I know for a fact how unlikely it is for her to suddenly change out of the blue like this.”
“And where is this ‘Sarah’?”
“She typically works shifts in this very section of the school. Likes to chew bubblegum.”

Caernarvon shot up out of his seat, eyes as wide as saucers. He turned to face Flip.
“You gonna help me out, pal? Now would definitely be the time!”

Flip almost couldn't believe what he was hearing from the old man. So this extremist really was once a student training to become a guardian against the Grim's. Only to take it above and beyond the idea and meaning all together. Now Flip wasn't the sort to believe that those who became Hunters was boy scouts, sometime you might have to get your hands dirty. But this...This was going too far.

Even worse was the story of the rogue androids. Was there really such things out there? He seen the robots that gaurded the bigger city in Atlas and among others. Those however, those was just that. Robots programs to do what they was told. "Androids? Like real androids. Self aware A.I. and all that jazz?" This was the last thing Flip had expeacted to hear around today. To think things like that was real and possable all around him.

Flip wasn't given much time to think about this as the real reason for this meeting came up. The identity of the group leader, Emily. "Cut the head off and the snake dies." Flip said to himself as she listen. His eyes grew wide the long the man talked before snapping toward Caern who was already standing. "Aya! I'm right behind you. This is more then enought to convince me." Said as he stood removing the spear from his back. He held off releasing it just yet, but he wanted it ready to go if things that heated.

“Now you two had better be careful!” Frisk called out as Caernarvon burst out the door, presumably followed by Flip. “I can’t lose anymore students to this monster I’ve created.” He mumbled inaudibly, his one human eye staring at his desk solemnly.

Caernarvon, in the meantime, had removed his tommy gun from his cloak and was sprinting towards where the desk was. Oddly enough, the whole hallway was clear of students… All but one.
“If it isn’t the dreaded Butcher of Bellmuse,” A woman’s voice purred from behind him, cool and condescending. “Been cutting up any more of my friends lately?” The detective felt a cold sweat begin to form as he slowly turned around to find her: Emily Aderson herself, in the flesh. She had one hand on the hip of her long, black velvet, dress and a smile that looked half amused and half of a crueler nature upon her ghostly pale face, past a lock of flowing black hair that fell down to one shoulder. She looked like the physical embodiment of a spider: manipulative, cunning… Deadly.
“Hmph,” Grunted the detective, aiming his weapon her way. “Usually not so up front with things.”
She chuckled a little, putting one delicate hand over her ruby lips.
“What can I say? You’ve finally backed me into a corner, detective. Seems by some miracle you finally figured out where I was,” She let her hand fall and from it grew five thin, purple and razor sharp blades curved in the way one would picture a poorly crafted stone knife to look ‘off’ along their length. “And I’m sure you know just how dangerous cornered animals can be…”
Caernarvon’s eyes scanned the entirety of the hallway. How could nobody be there? It didn’t make any sense unless she somehow managed to close it off by impersonating a staff member or something. But his questions were drowned out by adrenaline as he realized this was the fight he had waited eight terrible years for. Finally, vengeance would be his… But not without help. Professor Frisk was never all that strong in a fight, making up for that in superb intellect. There was only one person he could rely on right now; someone he had just met.
“Hey, kid,” He said gravely, not taking his eyes off the assailant in front of him. “If she’s about to kill me just run. I’m not letting someone die because of my own personal vendetta. Besides, I don’t even know you.”
“Ha!” Emily suddenly pointed at Caernarvon and laughed in an almost uncharacteristically loud and exaggerated way. “You seriously thought I was going to waste my time on you? Oh no, I’ve got plans that need to get underway for this little school. In the meantime…” The air beside her began to distort, rippling in odd ways like water through a disturbed pool. Soon, the figure of a man in a white overcoat and black suit took form, crimson tie stretching almost down to his noir slacks. He had the mustache of a stereotypical villain, black and thin, and downy white gloves on both his hands. “... Meet Noriega, the ‘N’ in team ENVY, which I’m sure you’ve heard all about from microscope face over there. Anyhow, gee to gee! See you later… Maybe.” She blew a sarcastic kiss before, with a sudden crack of wind, she was halfway across the room in a blur.

Caernarvon had only a single split second to react, moving his gun to her last location and letting roughly eight bullets spray the general location, sharp pops echoing through the whole area deafeningly. Somehow, some way, she managed to fly away from them and down an adjacent hallway with another one of those strange dashes.
“Nice shooting.” Noriega mocked in a thick spanish accent. “Well, it appears I’ll be playing with you two today,” He winked. “I’ll let you strike first, how about that?” He took out a small folding fan and extended it before his chestnut face, a confident smile running across it.

Once again, everything began moving to fast for the young man to take everything it. The only thing he knew for sure was that Caer had his gun out and ready. Looks like a fight in the making Flip thought as he rushed out beside Caer looking for the this ‘Sarah’. Sliding out the door it didn't take long for the chill to run up his spin as he took a quick look around. Empty? No teacher, no students, no one was around. It didn't take a genius to know what was coming next.

"Looks like she done running." Flip said to Caer, only to be corrected a second later as Emily went on the classic villain monologue and left a mini-boss for them to fight. Caer had taken some pop shots at the fleeing woman, but it seemed she was ever faster than Flip thought was possible. "So that's the levels of Hunters!?" He asked more to himself, than to Caer before stepping forward unsheathing his spear. "Don't worry Old man. I don't plan on dying here for you. But I'm not just going to run away from a fight." With a flick of his risk his spear grew to its full form as he took his fighting stance.

Seeing as Caer weapon was a tommy gun Flip took up the role of taking the fight to the man. Remember Flip, he told himself, good or bad this man is a train Hunter. He more likely faster and stronger than you. One wrong step and you could be dead. Gripping the spear tighter Flip couldn't help smiling just a little at the thought. "I'm a bloody Idiot." He said to himself, causing the Fan man to laugh. "That you are, boy! Walk away now and you might just live thought this. At less for now!" A tempting offer, but one he wouldn't allow for himself.

"Hey, Pops! Get that gun ready. When I make a openning... well, you'll know what to do." He said just before rushing forward toward the Fan man. Not wanting to give Caer the time to try and talk him out of the fight.

In a flash, Flip was upon the man as he strike forward jabbing the spear. The Fan man easily side step around spear tip, but Flip was hoping for that as he retracted the spear. Using it like a baton and releasing his semblance to increase the weight of the spear slamming it down on to the fan as he attacked. Hoping the combining surpise of the baton and new weight would give Flip his advantage in this fight. But he was wrong!

In a instant Flip lost sight of the man before feeling the shape blade of the fan on his chest. A brilliant tan srounded Flip as his aura protected him from the blade itself, but the impact still sent him slamming into the row of locker in the hallway. Gasping for air Flip nerrowly rised his weapon back up releasing it back to it full form to block the follow up attack. "I told you to walk away boy! It a ashame to have to kill a potential fellow Hunter, but I did warne you."

As Noriega was about to bear down once more on Flip, he halted himself, sensing trouble.

Sure enough, seconds later a stream of bullets quickly overtook him from Caernarvon’s gun, and he only just managed to move his fan in front of him, extending it into a full on shield that began to block the projectiles. They hissed upon hitting the fan, disintegrating as they did so into small trickles of smoke. There seemed to be no end to the barrage as the hurricane of deadly metal projectiles continued, soon shrouding Noriega’s entire area in a cloud of smoke. At last, there was a click as The Backup Plan fired its last round.

Caernarvon had a sick grin on his face as he began to approach his adversary, throwing aside the empty drum of ammunition and replacing it with a blue colored one from his coat with a satisfying ‘click’.
“Gotta say, even though Emily got away…” The mobster cocked back the loading mechanism of his gun, looking like an entirely different person now. “I’m really, REALLY looking forward to seeing you bleed.” For a brief moment he looked to Flip, face returning to what one could consider slightly normal. “Hit him from the rear, he’s not finished yet!”

Meanwhile, Professor Frisk peeked through the open door with one eye wide open. He had seen the mysterious man with the fan before he was shrouded by the smoke. He recognized him immediately.
“Oh, goodness!” He exclaimed. “You two hold on, I’ll call the Enforcers!” With that, he ducked back into his office.

Back in current time, Noriega leapt from the smoke at least ten feet into the air.
“Whatever my Emily has done it is nothing compared to your sins, butcher,” His fan was folded again, but in midair he rapidly expanded it into its shield form. He managed to do this so fast that a powerful shockwave flew in Caernarvon’s direction. “We, unlike you, have a reason to kill. We’ve spared our foes whenever possible. Where was that mercy from you?” Caern leapt out of the way as best he could, still feeling the sheer impact of the detonation on his back hard. Luckily, his specially designed coat had spared him from the brunt of the attack. He rolled first back onto one knee and then rose to his feet, an annoyed frown across his face.
“Heheheh,” His frown became a wide, disingenuous, grin. “You act as if you have some kind of ‘noble’ purpose. I saw the corpses first hand, pal, all I did was give them justice. All you’re doing is following the delusional dreams of a child trying to do something we all know is fundamentally impossible. Sometimes you just need to know when to QUIT.” The detective became surrounded by a golden light, aiming the barrel of his weapon towards his foe, who had gracefully landed from the previous flashy maneuver. He knew Noriega and knew that if anyone spoke ill of Emily he would try taking out his anger on Caernarvon and not Flip, who should have recovered by now. But Caern also knew that he had very quick reaction times, so it would take a very impulsive and perhaps daring move from his ally to even the fight in their favor until help arrived.

It seemed luck was on Flip side as his attacker withdrew from his onslaught and turned his forces back toward the man with the gun. He had stupidly jumped into the fire without even a real plan on the hope that he could make an opening for Caer. In a way he had succeeded, but the Fan man was even faster than Flip had first thought be able to block the bullets at the last second. This left Flip with few options in this fight. It wouldn't matter how strong he could make himself since Noriega could just out dodge any of his attack. This left Flip with either matching the man speed or taking him by surpised, perhaps both.

As a shockwave filled the hallway Flip rolled to the side using his cloak to protect him from it fall out before getting back to his feet. Flip didn't understand a thing these two was talking about. But Noriega dared to called him and his team Hunters after all they have done. Hunters are meant to protect people, not to kill them. Once more his Spear reenter battle mode as Flip body once more glowed a brilliant tan. This time it was his turn to attack as his both his body and weapon became light as a feather. This would weaken his own attack power, but his speed would grow greatly.

Not giving Noriega time to noticed the change Flip launch his attack. He knew Caer were doing his own thing, but he had to trust in both the man aim and his own abiliy to dodge the bullet. Beside as long as he could keep Noriega between Caer and himself they could coener him, removing some of his speed. In a flash Flip disappeared from his spot to just meter behind Noriega. Hoppfully the sudden speed boost be enought to catch the man off guard as Flip lauched a swift leg sweep from behind before spinning the spear back into it striking form. Following up with a barrage of jabs from the spear tip toward the Noriega chest area.

Ackard was attempting to get some rest after being assigned a room in the academy as a new student. All was going pretty well until he was awoken by group of loud noises somewhere in the hallways of Syne. He grunted and grabbed his trusty rifle, Persephonee, before heading towards the fight with only his zephyr suit, which he used as pajamas, as armor. He dashed quickly through the hallways as the grogginess slowly eroded away, replaced only with adrenaline and focus. As he neared the fight he dropped to the floor and slowly aimed his rifle at his potential targets.

It looked like he managed to find a decent target to aim at, a certain assailant with a fan that seemed to give two other students a bit of trouble. Though sadly he had to make sure that he had a still enough target to make the shot count. He waited until his target was in place and focused, using his semblance to zoom in on his target before firing a round at the assailants fan, making sure that the round would hit as close to his target's hand as possible in order to shoot his weapon out of his hand.

Noriega still felt very confident as he extended his fan before him a little, enough to serve as a small shield against incoming fire while allowing him to maintain awareness of the situation. “We’ve come too far to stop now,” He growled, becoming surrounded by a pale white glow. “As we speak, the last segment of our plans is becoming a reality.” Just as he was about to send another shockwave towards Caern, his mind refocused just in time to allow him to hop over Flip’s sweep, spinning around and briefly putting his focus on the boy. But as he did so, he saw somebody towards the far end of the hall. No, that was impossible. Emily should have evacuated everyone from the building already. But somehow this stranger wasn’t included?

Ordinarily, he would have easily been able to escape the situation, but somehow the faraway marksman managed to snipe his weapon right out of his hands, completely shattering his plans. Unable to block the incoming blow, two of his opponents spear attacks managed to hit him head on. His aura protected him, though. [Aura 120/160] Noriega quickly regained his battlefield awareness, however, using the back of his arm to bat Flip’s next attack aside. He could hear Caernarvon’s voice from behind him.
“Here’s what I’m going to do, buddy.” The detective said. Noriega propelled himself into the air using his dust and performed a spinning backflip to where his fan had landed, picking it up off the ground and turning to face him. “I’m gonna show you a little magic trick.”

Near the barrel of Caernarvon’s gun three paneled flaps opened up and began glowing a light blue color along with the end of the aforementioned barrel. His aura surged through the weapon, causing small lines etched throughout its sleek form to light up brilliantly in a similar shade of blue. The drum seemed to radiate a presence of chilling, ghostly energy, spilling its white, ethereal presence across the marble tiles, the very touch creating creeping tendrils of frost. There was a hiss and Caern pulled the trigger, sending a veritable hurricane of icicles towards his oppenent.
“Out of the way, Flip!” He shouted, holding his weapon steady as it continued to fire. Each icicle was cloaked in the same mist surrounding the ammo drum. Noriega knew he wouldn’t be able to evade the area of effect the attack encompassed, so he extended his fan to full effectiveness. The icy projectiles relentlessly pounded against it, hissing and shattering into hundreds of pieces and surrounding Noriaga’s general area in a frigid, ice-covered wasteland with a cloud of white hanging over it. [Noriega Aura: 100/160] [Caernarvon Aura: 160/170]


Of course, within the icy tomb the fan dancer was hardly defeated. He grinned, fan lighting up with fire dusts and shattering the ice around him. His very next move was to activate a semblence of his own… His fan broke apart first into two pieces, then three, then four, until he was surrounded on all sides by yellow rods that once made up his weapon.
“Go on, then.” He said, beckoning his opponents to attack now.

It seems lady luck was still on his side as Noriega managed to dodge his leg sweep, but it seemed that backup had arrived. With a well place shot the gunman manage to shoot the fan right out of Noriega hand, allowing Flip the moment needed for his own attack to land. With his increased speed Noriega still managed to dodge most of his attacks, however few did make it though. Just like before with Flip Nariega used his own aura from physical damage. "Tis, Damn it." Flip said as he jumped back out of Noriega reach as he turned to face him.

However, it would Caer voice that caused concern as he told the boy to move. Not wasting any time Flip wrapped his cloak around himself just as the ice shot came flying. Flip quickly ran for a nearby door kicking it in just as ice filled the hallway. "What the hell did I get myself into?!" He asked himself before rolling back to his feet. With his spear in hand Flip pecked back into the hallway trying to make out what was happening through the mist. After a few second Noriega came into view, but his weapon was now different. He was now surrounded by what had once been his fan. "Caer! Any ideas or plans would be much appreciated now!" He shouted from the doorway a few meters behind Noriega. It had been one thing for him to rush him with the fan, those attacks, he had an idea where they might come from and how. But this? Flip was hot headed in battle, but he wasn't stupid either and running blindly might just get himself killed.

Ackard had to think fast; with his allies he could thankfully keep his distance in battle, but now they were facing an opponent that could very well fight all of them off at once. From what he saw he could tell that those six rods were able to be controlled individually. That was it though, they could all be controlled individually; which meant that he would have to concentrate to keep them fighting at their fullest. Question was how he could break that concentration; he could simply shoot at his constantly while the other two keep him occupied, he could dash and jump from vantage point to vantage point to keep him guessing, but then he wondered if he could blind him somehow. Yeah that could work, but how would he do it? However he knew that with the surroundings there was only one way; he had to keep shooting the ground to kick up dust and debris. From all the recoil it would hurt like crazy, but along with the possibility of blinding their enemy it could also make for an interesting smokescreen.

So Ackard aimed Persephonee at the assailant's feet and started shooting as fast and often as he could, bearing each jolt of force via recoil that his rifle had to offer. Each shot splintered the material below his intended victim, sending bits of dust to either block his vision or blind him temporarily. Either way he hoped that he had bought the others some time as he rubbed his bruised shoulder. "Mmmm~~ y-yeah that hurt about as much as I thought. Ooooh...okay. next time. should definitely make something to take all that, or at least reduce it a little..."

Caernarvon tossed the now empty drum of his signature ammo to the ground, a hiss of steam emanating from his weapon as the stark blue lines etched into it faded back to the standard color. He replaced it with a case of standard ammunition and aimed for an easy chest shot down his sights, only bothering to spray a quick burst. Sure enough, the rods had created some kind of invisible field, lighting up a faint yellow color as they disintegrated the incoming bullets. The detective expected this.

No sooner had he finished shooting when another round, more powerful than the ones his gun was armed with, struck the field. A high pitched hiss resounded through the area as the first bullet was vaporized, but the following ones managed to create some kind of a makeshift smoke screen around the enemy. For a second, things went quiet. Then, from the swirling clouds of dust that had enveloped Noriega, a laugh resonated.
“This is my Semblence: Spiked Mirror. Telling you of its inner workings would be a foolish move, so I will demonstrate how it works to each of you.” From the dust leapt the man, holding one of the rods within his hand. It sparkled with yellow lightning, extended to the length of an entire sword. He ran straight towards Caernarvon, blade at the ready and a calm look across his face.

In the meantime, Flip would soon see that he would not be left out of the action. A knight created from yellow energy stepped out of the dust to greet him, holding another rod sword in his hand with two unused rods floating beside him. It would be perfectly possible to see through the plated being in places, like it didn’t have a physical form at all. As soon as it formed it would lash out with a flurry of cuts with its blade. The same would occur with Reese as three rods flew over towards him, all three transforming into the same kind of creature Flip was facing. The remaining rods floated near Noriega himself, tracing his every movement and following in kind. Caernarvon bombarded the approaching Stripe with a hail of bullets, the rods quickly forming a field in front of him to block the attack. The detective laughed, knowing further attacks with his weapon would be useless.
“A conjurer class Semblence… Impressive.” He said, slinging his gun across his back and entering a defensive stance. His golden aura surrounded his body, coursing through his fists and giving them the power they needed to compete with the attacker. “But you seem to forget I’ve killed many like you, scum. I have knowledge your previous opponents were sorely lacking in.”
“Then show it, don’t tell, butcher.” The two clashed, pitting each other's aura against each other as Caernarvon blocked the incoming blade with the back of his right arm, crackling with energy.
“Fine by me, buddy.”