Chapter 3

Few who lived could claim to have been invited to the Head of Academy's office. Even rarer were those who wished to have been there, but the Head was still better than the Supreme Head. Baseless rumours circulated among gossipers regarding the Supreme's personal background, of a tyrant and a heartless womanizer to a stiff, cankerous old man who wielded power as his crutch. And that was merely scratching the surface.

The Head himself was a tad less cloaked in obscurity but like every other high-ranked member of the Academy, was still an enigmatic figure. He led the unscheduled school assemblies and oft gave rousing speeches that renewed loyalty and pride to the school but never, Arielle had noted, towards their nation. There was an undeniable charisma about the man that would make him a formidable opponent, a trait much sought in leaders. Like wonder many had speculated that Master Chung would soon attain the coveted rank as the Supreme Head. Anyone who headed profitable programs such as the Academy itself would be a force to reckon with. Already, small groups of Academy veterans had been planted back into society, most adding remarkable feats to their names. The yields were in turn transferred back to the Academy; a trickle now but soon it would turn into a flood. These veterans would hardly feel the pain of such a minor cut in their salaries. But most crucially, no existing ties to link them to the organisation. All would be taken care of by the Academy; cooperation and secrecy was all that was required. It was a seamless system to date.

But complications arouse with sickening persistency. Just the other day Master Chung had received yet another unwanted missive from the fellows below. Security was being tightened once more and he didn't like it; men could only continue to stay on high alert to a certain limit. Then mistakes would begin to creep into their routine; signs of civilisation not wiped out neatly enough. Everyone dearly hoped the media would soon give up on the disappearance of a former army general. The gods knew there were enough generals running around and getting themselves lost. It was simply bad fortune this particular guy had high political connections. Not a problem, just a bug to be wheedled out. Vigilance, he reminded himself firmly. Think of the future.

Dressed impeccably as usual, the Head stoked the fire while contemplating yet another problem that had arisen in the Academy. First had been the unfortunate death of a rebellious child, and he had dared hope it would end there. But no, now brawls commonly found in foul taverns were beginning to break out like a corruptible disease. The little juvenile delinquents didn't seem to put enough store by their looks to avoid such acts. He could only shake his head in disgust. Every pretty head bobbing about in the fortress was costly; they had all been specially picked for the program. It would be a pity to snuff out those bright little lights of the future. But if it jeopardized the operation…

Contrary to popular belief, the Head's office was a relatively average room to the casual eye. A large oak desk dominated the room with a black leather armchair that was beginning to lose its glossiness. Fanciful divans and carpet sofas resulted in a quirky ambience much suited to modern society. A dense glass wall behind the armchair overlooked an unending scene of rock & snow. Bookshelves lined two other walls, its clustered shelves well used; economic, politics and academics, all popular subjects. A fire blazed fiercely in the hearth right by the door. Perhaps the only unusual items present were the two eagles' stands placed by the glass wall; sculpted bronze with scratch marks testifying its usage.

A soft knock sounded on the door. He crossed the room and sat behind his desk, crossing long fingers in readiness. He was well composed and determined to give the children their due.

"Enter." Toneless, unaccented and heartless.

The two girls who shuffled in were a pitiful sight; Master Chung cringed inwardly. They were worse than he'd anticipated. At least they both looked suitably downcast and intimidated – he would build on from there. Tear down their rebellion walls and reconstruct their thinking patterns.

Arielle Palaton was the more central key to his plan. She held the respect and awe of many students and undoubtedly, could sway their opinions if need be. A charismatic child bearing the signs of a future leader; she was one to be jealousy guarded and controlled. Joy Sintra on the other hand, he thought ruefully, was a pure menace. It was because of her unusual features that had qualified her for the Academy though if truth be told; it was hardly of a captivating kind. Her Mopey Gothic personality translated even to the dark expression on her face. It unnerved him, that quiet but penetrating look she now sent to him. It gave him goose bumps.

"Good morning, ladies, "Master Chung greeted pleasantly. His control on emotions was superb.

He came straight to the point. "You two have been caught having a go at each other freely and as unashamedly as illiterate plonkers, disregarding rules and regulations, without a care for anyone else present at the scene. An abominable act, utterly despicable. Do either of you know no shame?" he demanded roughly. He didn't bother waiting for a reply. "This severe violation of rules demands an equally heavy penance. Any disagreements?"

Get on with it, Arielle pleaded silently. It was bloody degrading having to stay in the same room as the Goth, even worse that her appearance was less than presentable. She had never felt worse in her life; it was a miserable feeling – hopelessness.

She had gotten her intense distaste of all things Goth from Shrue. The memory of Joy's sheer audacity continued to make her see red. How dare that… creature think to send Gothic-themed gifts to an ailing Shrue. The Goth had to have been aware of their revulsion of her; no one could be that blind & dumb. But no, she'd dared to send that basket. The mere sight of it had stirred depression in her hearts; she thanked the heavens Shrue had not caught a glimpse of it. The effects on the poor girl might've been devastating, God bless her soul.

Her jaws ached terribly and her left arm felt as battered, she might even need to have it set in plaster cast. The bastard had damn good technique when it came to fighting, Arielle would admit that much. "No, Master Chung," she murmured reverently, eyes downcast. She wouldn't allow him to see the burning anger in her eyes. She wouldn't.

"Your word is law, Master Chung. But…" The sickly sweet voice made her blood curdle. Arielle sneaked a sly glance at Joy and noted with satisfaction the scratch marks visible against pale flesh, bloody flakes detectable. She hadn't been the only one to have lost a little blood. Arielle kept her mouth shut tight.

Master Chung was amused. While they were both in dear need of a trip to the infirmary, defiance remained in their stance. Like wild stallions who'd never been restrained. He anticipated the outcome between these two to be unusual.

"But?" he prodded.

"But she was the one who started it." Joy pointed a finger rudely in Arielle's face.

"Did not!"

"Did too! Don't lie, you aren't good at it."

A deep flush ruined Arielle's pale Egyptian looks. "Bollocks. And quit pointing at me like that, you uncouth whore!" she spat.

Joy could sense her ire rising. Soon she would lose her control and that wasn't what a Goth should act like. Instead, she directed her attention to Master Chung.

"Master Chung, she-"

"Begin at the beginning."

"Well, we were completing our morning assignments outdoors…"

"A perfectly peaceable act, until she came along…" Arielle juxtaposed.

"No. You were the one who intruded in my spot."

'Your spot?" Arielle cried incredulously. "Since when did you own a piece of land outside the fortress, huh?"

"It's hardly as though you would know!"

"How dare you…"

"It's none of your business."

"Correction. It wasn't, until this happened."

"I was only looking for peace…"

"What a lie. Try a different tactic, Goth," Arielle sneered spitefully. Master Chung stirred at the somewhat at the malicious tone.

"Oh shut up, bitch," cried Joy, now utterly sick of Arielle and herself. It was at that time that something within the Head himself snapped.

"Don't you dare continue your inveracities, either of you," he roared. A glimpse of raw emotion was evident in his eyes, but neither saw it. They were too busy concentrating on each other.

"Master, she called me names." Arielle pouted slightly.

"Only because she deserves them," Joy explained immediately.

"Ha! Like you would know."

"Naturally. I boast a higher IQ than you."

"Then it must be common sense which you lack."

"Oh?" Joy asked in surprise.

"Those hideous gifts, you jerk!"

"Hideous?" She stared, even more confused.

"Shrue and… and your pathetic conception of presents!"

Now Joy understood and wished she didn't. "Have you no idea how much that effort and money it cost me?" she blurted out. She couldn't help it, her pride was hurt.

"The pits!"

"Like hell it did!"

Arielle seethed. Master Chung, however, had enough.

"Very well, girls. The insults have been flung dramatically enough. Any further arguments you will both settle outside this room, beyond my hearing. Understand?" he demanded. Arielle and Joy nodded numbly.

He beamed suddenly. "Then I do not expect to be seeing any of you again if you both manage to hold on to your senses next time." The congenial smile he gave was startling in the post-argument storm. He couldn't afford to allow the two girls to now how much effort it cost him to do it. "Confinement rooms for both of you, the 100 questions are waiting there. I expect you know what to do?" he questioned gratingly. The stiff nods came.

"Lovely. Then this meeting is concluded. Toddle off to the hospital wings then lessons as usual in the afternoon. Au revoir, ladies." He gave them a curt dismissal.

Bloody hell, now he remembered why he loathed children so.