Under New Management (Alkaiser, Open)

[Seth Calloway]

Too slow. It's just too slow.

Despite the rather intense announcement given at the assembly a few days ago, the students of Hircine High had done virtually nothing productive to deal with Paragon, causing Seth Calloway a great deal of disappointment. Of course, the fact that the latter school had done nothing themselves did little to help the Junior student's boredom. With an imperceptible sigh, Seth dropped his school bag into his locker, pulling out the small plastic bag that held his lunch before closing the door and securing the lock once more.

Was MacMillan and his Watchers the only entertainment within these walls? Maybe I should've played with them a bit longer.

It didn't matter; what was done was done. Clinging to the past wouldn't solve anything, aside from being a minor distraction. The dark-haired gang leader turned from his locker and strode through the halls, passing through the crowds with a few nods, small greetings, and other pleasantries with the other students on his way out the doors to the courtyard. It was one of the few things Seth had to perform now, as his public image had skyrocketed with the defeat of the Watchers and his outspoken hostility towards Paragon.

"Seth! Over here!"

Of course, it was doubtful any looked up to him as much as Tamara did.

Glancing over his left shoulder in the direction the voice had come from, Seth caught sight of the girl's enthusiastic wave, beckoning him over to what used to be the Pillar's table before he had taken it for himself. The leader of Revelation hesitated for a moment, taking the opportunity to light up a cigarette first, purposefully taking his time before heading over to the table. The fact he had taken the table had sparked an idea, something to alleviate his boredom for a little while. He dropped his lunch on the table, no longer concerned with eating for the moment, and instead intending the motion to bring attention to himself from everyone who was seated at the table.

"You know... I've just thought of something. I want you all to split up, and spread this message all over the school. Seth Calloway has declared himself Captain of Hircine High. If Alkaiser doesn't show up to answer this challenge to his authority, then it's fairly obvious that he is forfeiting the position to me. Hurry, I want to finish this before lunch is over."

The Revelation members bolted from their seats, cheering and hollering as they spread their message across the school. As Tamara stood to do the same, Seth put his hand to her shoulder, shaking his head.

"No, Tamara. You'll be staying here with me. Phone up a few of the gang members and have them come here. A certain remnant of a broken gang has been particularly busy lately, and I'd hate to have them crash this party."

Smirking, Seth watched the girl fumble through her speed dial, picking out the names she knew would reply the fastest. On a whim, he had taken the Pillars table from the school. Now, on a whim, he would take the Captainship as well.

[pinefresh]

(OOC: I know it says Alkaiser then open so if you want me to delete this until our fearless captain shows just let me know.)

It was lunch and Pine and his men were doing their usual patrols in their respective squads. It so happened Pine was somewhere on the first floor with Raj, an initiate for the gang. They were watching his members in the front yard moving around. Pine was also explaining what it meant to be a Genaht member, the rules, chain of command, and what he would endure to become a member. Today seemed to be a good day, it wasn't too cold and the sun was out. More importantly there had been no major fights and none of his men had been injured. Usually by this time of day there had been three fights and at least one of his men had to take a trip to the nurse. Pine was happy by the way things had calmed down. It seemed like he no longer needed to worry about Paragon because word was they were having their own internal war. With Paragon destroying themselves Pine allowed his men to become just slightly more lax. All of that changed in an instant when someone came running up to him.

Pine recognized the pendant he wore on his neck so freely, it was Revelations. Pine was not interested in the rabble but to be nice he nodded at the student before turning back to his initiate.

"SETH CALLOWAY HAS DECLARED HIMSELF SCHOOL CAPTAIN!!!" The member roared at the top of his lungs.

Pine burst out laughing as many looked on. The Revelation member turned to look at Pine who had almost doubled over from his bout of laughter. Pine noticed his snarl and stood up to his full height of 5'7 and wiped the tear from his right eye.

"Why thank you for that. I was in need of a good laugh. So do you have any real information for me or are you just here to play the class clown and embarrass yourself in front of all the students in here and out in the courtyard?" Pine asked none too nicely. Blake who was in the front yard was already on the phone receiving a report from Verity's group as Pine looked at the same message coming in from both Yuffie and Barrett via text message. In an instant Pine stopped laughing and joking around, it was time to get down to business. Pine pocketed the phone and the Revelation member continued to speak. This time directly to the Genaht leader. All be it Pine had missed most of what he had said.

"... Are you listening to me you pathetic excuse for a Hircinian?" The Revelation member asked.

"Varronite." Pine corrected him before continuing. "So who put you up to this? Why are you being so stupid as to pass on such lies? You know there is a protocol to being given the title?"

"Listen here! SETH has always been the real school Captain and if he says he's Captain then what right does a weakling...glurk..."

The Revelation member went flying back into the wall from a well placed push-kick to the sternum. He was huffing and puffing when Pine slammed the four fingers on his right hand into the open mouth of the Revelation member pushing his tongue back and ripping the little flap of skin under it.

"Ohhhhh YEEEEEEEEEAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Look at you, you was popping all that good shit a second ago and then you got kicked in yo chest!!! Whose the weakling? YOU the weakling, bitch ass punk ass mothafucka." Pine said with a sick smile on his face before lifting the student up by the roof of his mouth. "Now let me explain something to you. To become Captain one of a few things needs to happen. You beat the Captain in one on one combat. He gives you the title. OR the Principal gives you the title. Since none of those have happened it is pretty clear to me that Seth is not the Captain...NOW GO TO SLEEP!" Pine removed his fingers from the students mouth and then slammed his head against the wall knocking him out cold.

He turned to his initiate who was shaking in fear at Pine's display of violence. Blake and his men had run out of the courtyard and into the main hall where Pine was standing. "Pine-" Pine cut him off with the wave of his hand. "I already know. Seth wants the school and that would be bad. Call Verity and have her squad fall back to the nurses office and let them know what is going on. Her squad is short a few men so I want her to stay there. Send Yuffie to the office and have her squad link up with Principal Victoria. Send Jax and Barrett to me at the gym. As for you get over to the security office and let them know what is going on and prepare to assist them as needed. Today is going to be one hell of a day. Oh and get on the phone and contact Ein and Vince...We might need some serious help."

The initiate looked at Pine wondering what he meant. "That one I just took out is one of around approximately 100 some men Seth commands. Yeah...we are pretty outnumbered. So...today might be the last day any of us walk these halls as a gang. Good luck!"

It didn't take long for Pine to get to the gym where Jax and Barrett were waiting. "Yeah...we are going to go find Seth. " Pine said looking at the men he was probably leading on a one way trip to the hospital.

"So...we are going to go fight a gang of god knows how many with the 19 of us?" Jax asked.

"That depends on how it goes. If Alkaiser shows up and fights we won't have too. If he doesn't show then someone has to make sure he has a title when he gets here." Pine said with a small smile.

"Pine I love you like a brother but is it worth it? Jax asked.

"No..but unless otherwise told by Ein or Victoria or Alkaiser himself to back off we need to do something." Pine turned around and walked away.

"Play Time!" Barrett said happily as he moved to follow Pine.

The 19 men moved through the hallways and into the courtyard where he was met by the sight of several Revelation members. Pine began to move in toward the Pillar table where Seth was usually seen sitting. The prick had nerve but Pine knew to be weary around the person that so easily defeated Ein.

"OHHHH SETH!!!" Pine shouted sweetly with a smile on his face. "We both know you cannot just declare yourself Captain without either winning it or having it passed to you. So why bother throwing the school into chaos and ruining all my hard work? Hopefully the REAL captain shows up soon and this gets sorted out one way or another. Preferably between you and Alkaiser and not in a gang war between your men and my men." Pine made sure to put as much emphasis as he could on the word real as possible.

~MEANWHILE~

Verity had moved to the to the nurses office and taken up a position there. Blake and the Security staff were making preparations for a riot that might ensue from all this.

Yuffie and her men walked into the office. Yuffie's usually erratic demeanor was replaced with a shy little girl. "Excuse me Miss Secretary I need to speak to Principal Victoria immediately. It is very important she hears what I have to say."

EDIT: FOR CONTENT

[Victoria Alexander]

"Our school is tax exempt why am I reading $134.35 where the number should say zero. How dead brain do you have to be..."

Victoria heard her secretary address her as she was aggressively speaking on the phone.

"Come back later I'm in the middle of..."

"But I think its important Ms. Alexander. There's a student here."

Holding her forefinger up stopping her short from continuing on with her statement.

"Just tell your manager if I don't see an email in my mailbox within the hour I'm going to take my business elsewhere."

She put the phone back on the receiver rather roughly and looked up. The student, a female wearing an armband that was associated with Genaht came peeking from behind the secretary. Victoria moved her hand in a come here motion and watched as the student took front and center. The secretary returning to her desk.

"Seth has proclaimed.."

Victoria put her hand up, the student didn't have to say another word. His display earlier this year was just the beginning she was just waiting for another disruption. She had expected it much sooner. Pushing a button she spoke into the speaker.

"Please inform Principle Katsumoto that we have a situation which may need his attention. I will be in security and he can reach me on the walkie."

Standing Victoria opened a drawer and took out a walkie before closing it and turning towards the student. The girl informed her of Seths location.

"You are dismissed. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

As the girl left Victoria turned on the walkie. Pushing the button she spoke into the walkie.

"Jim please prepare the staff we have a Code 3."

There was static and then a male voice that came through the small speaker.

"We are already on it Principle."

"Very good. I'm on my way."

And with that Victoria made her way out the door.

(ooc-Im going to give you guys some time to duke it out before I make my entrance.)

[Aryck Venn]

"The real captain is gone, dolt."

In a fashion typical of him, Aryck had somehow already managed to sit down at the Pillar table during Pine's big show, silently knocking out the two revelation members who sat next to Seth and Tamara and taking his spot next to the girl. His lunchbox was out and open, and his sandwich already had a bite missing. The two Revelation members were on the ground, looking almost unharmed, but clearly not awake. Aryck himself, in fact, looked almost serene as he took another bite of his sandwich, waiting for the rest of the people on scene to realize what had just happened.

After he chewed down his food, his eyes would look up and meet Seth's. "Apologies for those two," he said, cocking his head back to the two unconscious students behind him. Speaking up, he would then address Pine.

"The real captain is gone," he would repeat, ensuring his voice was raised JUST enough so that Pine could hear the boy's soft, casual monotone. "Exiled to Paragon for an indetermined amount of time. I do not see a captain. I know one who was named as such, but I do not see a captain."

Aryck closed his eyes for a moment, and then reopened them; a long, meaningful blink. As they opened, Aryck's hand went to his glasses, pushing them back up his nose.

"For one who supposedly represents 'the Mind', you show very little of your own."

Aryck shook his head, and concentrated once again on his sandwich. While it might seem, suddenly, that Aryck had allied himself with Calloway, both Calloway and Aryck, while they knew little about each other, both were at least smart enough to know the truth of the situation.

[Seth Calloway]

(It's the courtyard, not lunchroom, Pine. And no worries, I figure there'll be a delay in waiting for Alkaiser anyway.)

It didn't take long for students to begin gathering around the Pillar's table, given how quickly word was spreading of Seth's announcement. The beauty of Revelation lay in the fact that all of them believed in their leader, and many had been eagerly awaiting the day he chose to stop playing nice and just take the Captainship for himself, which made them work extremely fast when they heard the excitng news. The gang's genuine merriment made those students who hadn't joined curious to see what the commotion was about, and once they heard the good news, Seth's reputation would bring the majority to see such a thing in a favourable light.

Sitting on the end of the table itself, Seth waited patiently for the School Captain to arrive, if he would at all, closing his eyes and enjoying his cigarette for the moment. At the sound of a commotion, his eyes opened, expecting to see the red-haired Alkaiser, only to fall on the very face he had been preparing for before. As the boy spoke, Seth resisted the urge to roll his eyes, thoroughly annoyed already at Genaht's appearance.

You're boring, go away. At least Ein had some thought behind his counters.

Before the gang leader could respond, a soft voice spoke out from behind him, one that did not belong to any Revelation member Seth knew of. He glanced over his right shoulder, catching sight of Tamara scrambling off the bench to get away from the School Pillar, whose entrance had gone unnoticed by both members of Revelation. The Junior gave no reply to Aryck's apology, as anything he said would be inappropriate. Instead, he would turn back to Pine, apparently resigning himself to dealing with one visitor at a time.

"I'm well aware of the rules of the Captainship. In case you haven't noticed, these are special circumstances. Our current 'Captain' Alkaiser has been missing since before the announcement in the auditorium, and I have more than enough support to make my own challenge legitimate. If he refuses to answer me here and now, at his very own table, then it's obvious he has abandoned the students of Hircine High. Where will they turn to, then? To who will they turn to? I believe you and I both know the answers."

Seth removed the cigarette from his mouth, flicking a few ashes onto the ground. The questions he mentioned were, in fact, rhetorical, though he supposed they would be answered anyway, considering who he was talking to. Still, he remained polite as always, maintaining a professional demeanour with a charming smile on his face, even if his eyes hinted at something more.

[pinefresh]

~Where the fuck did he come from?~ The little voice in Pine's head asked in surprise. Pine saw the Pillar known as Aryck Venn sitting in a seat he swore was once occupied by two others. Then again Pine could have been wrong, his eyes were not on the table the whole time. It was possible he mistook the Pillar at first glance. After all, the only information Pine had on him was what Victoria had supplied and that was not much. There was also the fact he had never run into the Pillar before so there is also the possibility it didn't register who it was. It was only after the Pillar started to spew his version of the truth; a truth Pine knew was outdated from first hand experience.

Without even a second glance Pine responded to the Pillar in a similar tone to the one he was addressed in. "You mean ex-captain. I was there when Kyu turned the title over to Alkaiser which is an accepted method of transfer. He was also accepted as the Captain by at least one of the Principal's which makes it official. I admit I do not know Shuya's position on the matter which is why I can't say both support him. So by calling Alkaiser the real Captain I am indeed correct in terms of the rules. I do find it interesting...your comment about the 'mind' I mean. You do not know in what way I represent the mind or why Ein has me acting here. Though based on your mannerisms I doubt you really care."

Now it was Seth's turn to attack Pine's words. His words held legitimacy and that bothered Pine. In fact it was for that reason he had moved down here. Revelation was key in the removal of the old Principal and the oppressive security that ruled the school. One Pine would have enjoyed going toe to toe with. Perhaps had Pine been there Genaht could have taken down the watchmen before Revelation did. Sadly, there was no way to know for sure. Pine also knew because of the help Revelation gave to the school many of the students would rally behind him. The real question is what would he do with the title?

"Alkaiser has been around...just not for any real period of time." Pine began and looked that growing number of students beginning to fill the courtyard. Pine had to be careful of what he said. With these numbers if he said anything to belittle the students in anyway his men would be destroyed by sheer numbers. "He leaves much of the problem solving to the Principals and Genaht. I don't know why he hasn't been around or what is going on. We are here to make sure your words are a challenge and that Alkaiser is given a chance to defend his title. I have seen several instances where a Captain has been in class for an hour and come out without the title. So unless the administration or Ein say differently or a riot breaks out we are just here to observe."

Barrett looked at Pine and made as if to speak up but was silenced by a wave of Pine's hand. Barrett wanted to start bashing things but didn't understand that with the way things are a fight would be disastrous. There was no way 19 men even with their training and skill would even be able to make a dent in these numbers. Especially if the numbers kept growing as they did. There must have been at least 60 Revelation members down here and god knows how many bystanders. There were to many variables to risk an all out assault of the table right now. He did not have the numbers to contain the Revelation members and get the students to safety. Pine prayed that if it came down to a fight his back up would be here fast. Pine needed to buy some time.

"If you wouldn't mind humoring me and the students here. Should you beat Alkaiser or he fails to show, what are your plans as Captain?"

~Meanwhile~

Yuffie had delivered the message to Victoria and been dismissed. She came to the waiting area where her squad was. They sat there waiting for orders, orders Yuffie did not have. Pine had neglected to give the girl further instructions which meant he intended them to wait there. Upon talking to some of her men she learned that Pine had entered the courtyard with only two squads of men. Her eyes went wide at this news. Why would he walk into the lions den with so few men? What could he be planning to do with 18 men even if they were his main combat squads. She stood there a second before realization dawned on her. Genaht did not have the men to take down Revelation but three squads plus the school security would be enough men to safely get the students out of the school if all hell broke loose. With his two brawler squads at his back he could hold 3 times his number for enough time to get an evacuation of the building well underway.

Yuffie turned around when she saw Victoria leave her office. "Miss Boss lady!" Yuffie proclaimed and her men jumped out of their seats. Yuffie's eyes hit the ground again and she pulled out a notepad and wrote something quickly and held it out for Victoria to take and read.

On the note was:
Pine mentioned to us that we may be asked to assist one known as Damian Blaze. If Blaze has any followers perhaps he could help us out. Simply put Genaht only has enough men in Hircine to hold Revelation for a very short period of time. WE NEED HELP!!!

Yuffie looked up at Victoria with a pleading gaze and handed her one more piece of paper she had written while waiting.

Pine only has 18 men with him. He won't last long if forced to fight. Knowing brother he's down there stalling for time. Should Seth intend to drive the school into war and Pine not able to talk him out of it... Pine will fight. Those are his orders. Protect Hircine. All costs.

The grammar of the last note was bad as Yuffie was frantically writing to get it done. She hoped it was legible enough to get the point across.

[Aryck Venn]

Aryck gave a little, half-hearted smirk as Pine would reply to his words. He would shake his head and raise up from the seat, leaving his sandwich sitting on his smashed-flat brown paper sack. He looked to Tamara, now a safe distance away from the table, and spoke to her softly, almost kindly, even.

"Please let no one eat that sandwich."

He wouldn't wait for a reply, or an acceptance. In fact, Tamara could very well go over there and eat the sandwich himself, for all Aryck really cared. He had simply pegged the girl as a fairly submissive sort, and wanted to see if she would take orders from anyone who seemed to not want to beat her face in for no reason. Aryck began to walk casually toward Pine, his gait seemingly begetting no intention of harm; however, anyone who knew the lanky Junior would know better than to assume anything.

The boy would come to a halt, standing on the steps just above Pine. The sunlight would filter through his hair, leaving his face relatively darkened, and his eyes hidden behind his still-tinted glasses. He looked down at the Genaht lieutenant.

"The Captainship is more than just a title. Only those who are deserving will truly be called it. Simply calling one's self a captain does not make one, even if it is agreed upon by those in power."

Aryck's face would crack another small smirk as he would speak again. "As far as your "mind" or lack thereof... you will find I care much more than you would have yourself believe."

Aryck would fall silent, and continue to stand in front of Pine, allowing the rest of the scene to play out as it would for the time being.

[Victoria Alexander]

Her pace was furious, she had to get across school grounds just to meet up with the security station. To the men awaiting her orders. Before leaving her office she informed 'her' secretary to make a loud speaker announcement for students to remain in class after the school bell would be rung for third period. While walking she heard the following announcements done by the older woman's voice.

"All teachers, please instruct students to remain in their classroom until further instructions. They are prohibited from leaving and if they do will be suspended until further notice. I repeat, Please have students remain in class after the bell until further notice. Thank you."

Watching as students looked around in question at the announcement Victoria started barking orders.

"Get Into Class!! Anyone caught in the hallways will be subjected to suspension. You got 5 seconds!!"

They seemed to scatter like bugs as she walked quickly through. Hearing footsteps coming towards her as she reached the outside her eyes went towards the girl that informed her of the news. Her eyes were frantic as her hands forced pieces of paper into Victoria's hands. Victoria opened the first one, squinting trying to read the girls hand writing.

Pine mentioned to us that we may be asked to assist one known as Damian Blaze. If Blaze has any followers perhaps he could help us out. Simply put Genaht only has enough men in Hircine to hold Revelation for a very short period of time. WE NEED HELP!!!

Being handed another piece of paper she opened it without a word.

Pine only has 18 men with him. He won't last long if forced to fight. Knowing brother he's down there stalling for time. Should Seth intend to drive the school into war and Pine not able to talk him out of it... Pine will fight. Those are his orders. Protect Hircine. All costs.

It seems she would have to call upon Damien to help even out the numbers. Pine was aware of where he stood since she had previously spoke to him.

"It will be done."

That's all she said before walked away from the girl. Her sites still set on meeting the security, she still had to meet protocol for the safety of any student. Along the way Victoria pulled out her cell phone. Scrolling down the names finding "D" She didn't want anyone to know that it was Damien Blaze that was programmed in her phone. She took extra precautions ever since their relationship developed. She knew he would help no questions asked. And she hoped he was able to get away from Paragon quick enough to help the situation.

Pushing the button, she listened to it ring. She heard a questionable hello in his voice.

"I need your help. Courtyard as soon as your able. And you might want to bring your friends."

She left it at that as she closed her cell phone. She knew he would know that something was up with the tone of her voice. She just hoped it was going to be enough.

[Damien Blaze]

Damien closed his cell phone with a slight shake of his head. Need his help? He didn't have massive numbers of people to contribute to anything that they may need his help for. He had his followers who believed him to be a better candidate then the so Called Paragon Captain, and sure, they were some of the toughest kids he could collect, but he was unsure of the matter. Regardless, Damien wasn't going to leave them there and abandon them without lending his own support. He flipped open his phone, sending a text message to all of his men within the school. Not much, for a school of several hundred, but it would have to do.

'Out front. Five minutes.'

The text was away, and he flipped his own phone shut, heading to the front of Paragon with a slight look of disdain upon his face. He was glad, at least, that it was held in the courtyard, that way his force of fifteen students wouldn't be taken on as an assault upon the school. Once he arrived, all his friends were already gathered, Damien having to walk clear across the school to make it there. He got a questionable look from Arren, his so called "second" in the tiny force. He continued walking, past the group, speaking as he did so.

"Theres trouble at Hircine. We're going to lend support to the school. Lets go."

No questions, no arguments, these fellas had full respect for the young Blaze, and would follow him to whatever end. He jumped into a truck, taking the keys from Arrens hands and firing it up. two other trucks were started, and the rest of his team began jumping in the back. Damien backed out, peeling out of the parking lot and flying down the road to Hircine. He pulled into the parking lot on the far side, nearest the end of the building where an out of school Walkway would lead straight to the main courtyard. Damien wasn't going to lead his students through the school- he didn't want to start a war. He stepped from the car and threw the keys to his partner, starting off with a jog on his way to the side of the buildings.

He slowed back to a walk once he entered the little walkway, coming in behind Pine's force and telling his men to go ahead and move into the genaht group, blending in with them so none could point and say "Paragon is attacking". Damien would move to the front, standing just a little behind Pine and looking the man over for the first time since Victoria had first mentioned the name. He wouldnt say anything, his men nearly doubling the force Pine currently had. But by the looks of things, it wasnt going to be nearly enough. Not unless the boy had more coming. Damiens hands would go into his Hoodie pockets, and his gaze would run over everyone present, trying to take mental pictures for the future.

[Seth Calloway]

For a moment, Seth said nothing, savouring the victory he'd already been given. With his last sentence, Pine had basically admitted that he had no control over whether Seth became School Captain or not, as long as he remained within the rules, so to speak. The problem with those determined to uphold the rules lay in the fact that they were bound to those very rules, a weakness Revelation's leader was more than happy to exploit for the moment.

"Well, for one thing, I don't particularly want to fight Alkaiser, I'm hoping he hands over the title peacefully. I've nothing against him, just a desire to give Hircine its best chance to survive this troublesome time. As Captain, I would continue to do the same. I will give these students the freedom, and the respect, that they deserve."

Another drag from the cigarette accentuated the dark-haired boy's words; words which had whipped those in earshot into a frenzy of cheering. This was the event they had all come to see, and Seth wouldn't disappoint them, not as long as he kept the general student body eating out of his hand. Once more, he spared a glance over his shoulder, listening to what the School Pillar mentioned to Tamara, who looked his way in a confused manner. He met her confusion with a disinterested shrug, telling her to basically act how she wanted, which led to the girl standing awkwardly next to the table, glancing between the sandwich and the three men.

Seth's eyes followed Aryck as he moved, interested in the fact that he had seemingly fixed himself upon Pine, rather than Seth himself. It would seem that this particular Pillar had no problem with the Junior's challenge, something that Seth hadn't expected, yet found amusing. If things went through as they should, perhaps he would keep this particular Pillar in power. Once Aryck finished speaking, Seth would pose his own question, for the moment.

"I'll admit, I'm surprised you represent Genaht in such numbers. With an officer gone to Paragon, another splintering off to make his own little club, and the leader graduated, yet crippled, I'd imagine the most you could pull together are scraps, at best. I have nothing but respect for Genaht, but for a gang based on logic, I don't see much common sense in interfering in things that don't concern you."

[pinefresh]

EDIT (OOC: Yeah so there are some problems at work I've been asked to start taking care of. With that said I am going from a full-time student and worker to a full-time student and an overtime worker. So I may not be able to post back everyday as you have all noticed. I'm sorry but this is the way it is going to be for a while.)

Seth's answer was general. How exactly did he plan on keeping the students safe? Before Pine could ask there was a roar of the crowd stopped him. Pine was forced to wait before he could reply and he was cut off for a second time by the annoying Pillar that now stood on the steps above him and talk down. It was bad enough that Pine had to look up at the Pillar to begin with now it was as if he was trying to belittle Pine again. Pine just listened but didn't bother to look up he got off one sentence before he cut off by Seth.

"Oh you do now, and why is that?" Pine asked quizzically. Tilting his head slightly up and to the side. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed his numbers had been swelled as armbands mingled with bare arms. It seemed someone had came to help. Pine's torso and head twisted so he could look at the numbers behind him. His numbers had been increased by what looked like 100%. One member stood out above the rest just behind his two squad leaders. Pine's eyes focused on him and gave nod before turning back to the Pillar.

~Wow these two really hate your ass don't they?~ The little voice in his head said. Pine clenched his jaw for a second and collected his thoughts. The first thing he needed to do was figure out who he would respond to first. He was tempted to give Barrett the order to put the Pillar in the hospital for the next 6 months. The Pillar was tall and skeleton thin, if Pine did not have more pressing matters to attend to he would have snapped the Pillar in half.


"Your right only those that deserve to be Captain should be Captain." Pine started, allowing the Pillar the only small victory he would get off Pine verbally or physically. "However Pillar we each have our own opinions on who should be Captain. There are those that stand here that want Seth and others that want Kyu back and even those that believe someone else should be Captain. If we all acted on personal opinion there would be no leadership. That is why we have rules to govern how people take power. Alkaiser is Captain based on those rules. I am not here to argue personal opinion I am here to see the rules are followed..." Pine's eyes shifted over to Seth who sat there smoking.

"Also that my orders are followed out. Your challenge is for the Captainship is it not? Does that not effect every single student in the school from Pillar down? As for interfering I haven't raised a hand against you. I'm just trying to make sure the rules are followed and perhaps have a little chat. Judging by your numbers I assume you probably expected I'd show up. Unless you trying to tell me you usually keep such a large retinue of men around? So really I'm just playing predictable aren't I? You mentioned something about protecting the students, how exactly are you going to do that? By that I mean what is your plan to protect them from Paragon. I can't really think of anyone else they might need to be protected from."

[Aryck Venn]

"You're here to do nothing. Why?"

Aryck tilted his head slightly to the left, continuing to regard the shorter, more verbose student before him. As the crowd before him began to stir, Aryck's eyes darted through the crowd. The men who joined Pine's cadre did not wear the signifying armband, meaning that these were most likely not Genaht reinforcements, but rather, at least to Aryck's knowledge, unbranded men. There was a man, with a drawn hoodie, who, in looking to not draw attention to himself, managed to do the exact opposite. Aryck could not tell who he was, nor did he, at the moment, care. He would keep his eyes on the situation, though. This new interference was only adding flame to a fire that may not have even been there to begin with.

"A better question, if you will: Why with so many?"

Aryck's eyebrow rose as his gaze centered once more upon Pine. He paused for a moment, hoping his point was already made. Doubting it was, he sighed, and spoke further.

"You have brought, at my count, a full total now of thirty-five people to stand against this man. You are unified, if not by your armband, then by your obvious stances here. You stand against..."

Aryck paused a moment, his head craning over his shoulder to look back at the pillar's table.

"Two unconscious students, a girl, and Seth himself. No others have openly entered hostilities. If you did begin fighting, you would have no way of knowing if the students you fought were the very same students you supposedly are here to protect."

There was another short sigh, almost of frustration or irritance, from the lanky student's mouth.

"So, you are here, and you have brought an army with you, to do nothing. You've said yourself, Calloway's claim is insignificant, and yet you feel the need to maintain a whole force to come to say this."

Aryck took a few steps down from the raised area where the pillar's table stood, coming down to the same level of elevation that Pine and his men stood. Considering the height difference, Aryck would still look down upon Pine, and, with a quick adjustment of his glasses, would speak once more.

"All this forces me to question your logic. And when one questions the logic of a lieutenant of Genäht, then, does not one question the legitimacy of their position? Furthermore, if one is a Genäht leader in the military sense," Aryck continued, pronunciating the German word nearly flawlessly, "then one should be expected to maintain martial might over any challengers, correct?"

A small smirk crossed Aryck's face, and both eyebrows would raise up over the upper rims of his glasses, which had finally readjusted back to a more transparent shade.

"Logically speaking, then, I will fight you. For your position in your gang. Do you accept?"

And with that, in words as plain as can be, a challenge was brought forth, in front of Pine's entire Genäht force, and who knows how many nonpartisan bystanders. All that remained was to see how the various players on the scene would react to this turn of events.

[Seth Calloway]

(I'm just going to pretend Seth answered before Aryck spoke, hope you don't mind.)

The leader of Revelation smiled, knowing full well he had been vague in his answer. It was an old tactic he had used before, carefully wording his answers to tell the truth, but not all of it, making it difficult for the masses to doubt his sincerity. The more Pine prodded, the more Seth toyed with the idea of simply declaring his intentions outright, yet he thought better of it. Even if he supposed Genaht was no longer a threat, there was still a chance that someone worthwhile still remained within the school, someone who could still prove to be an entertaining adversary.

"To protect ourselves from Paragon is no easy task. Insanity and violence run rampant there, unhindered by morality or consequence. They have taken the worst of the worst, gathered them all together in one place, and set them against us. As I've said, I will guide these students, and give them the freedom and respect they deserve, whether it be against Paragon or threats that are more... internal. Including a Captain that refuses to show his face."

The students murmured amongst themselves, those who had originally disagreed with Seth's challenge beginning to have doubts, as Alkaiser still had not shown up, even though lunch was almost over. Seth had shifted their attention to a more pressing fact without them even realizing it, dodging Pine's question once more.

I'd rather not tip my hand too early, my friend. Even if you're as predictable as you say.

Even as Seth considered his next words, the Pillar standing close to Pine spoke up once more, causing the gang leader to remain silent. It seemed that Aryck was very observant, rivalling Seth's own Horseman of Death, Mae-Lim. Some of his points were amusing, even if they were accurate. Of course, Seth made no move to confirm or deny any of the Pillar's suppositions, opting instead to listen to the challenge that was made soon thereafter.

A challenge during a challenge. Maybe there will be some excitement this period, since it seems Alkaiser isn't going to show.

[pinefresh]

(OOC: If there is a problem with the content as I am relating this post to a previous thread the pm me and I'll change it. I am also assuming that the time frame of this thread is shortly after the Paragon Self-Destruction thread.)

~I wonder what he's hiding? Oh wait! I already know and so do you~ The little voice in Pine's head said rather plainly. The fact was Seth had yet again dodged the question. His answer was just as vague as the first time, hitting the same points, and adding a crack at the Captain. He was hiding his intentions from the crowd with pretty words but it didn't fool Pine. Pine was there when the student John Smith petitioned to make Seth Captain. Seth's answer was simply that if made Captain he would lead the school in war against Paragon. Pine remembered because he was the first one to stand against the motion stating it was a bad idea. Here he was again for the second time standing against Seth and his bid for control. On top of that now he had an army and a Principal at his back and it was not just Pine alone.

Before Pine could reply he was cut off again by the Pillar. Lucky for Pine this time it was in a humorous manner. The Pillar believed that Pine could be challenged for leadership of Genaht based on some interesting logic. If Pine were the actual gang leader and not just a War Mind the challenge might hold some merit. Right now his logic was fallable because he did not understand Pine's position.

"I cannot accept your request." Pine said simply. "My title is a gang title given to me by Ein who is still head of the gang. I do not have the authority and you do not have the credentials to challenge me. Your logic is entertaining at best, much like your understanding of why I am here and how many men I actually have." Pine shook his head before continuing to reply. He made sure to check his cellphone before answering to find out lunch was coming dangerously close to ending.

~Damn Alkaiser of all the days to let me down, today is not the day to do it.~ He thought to himself before continuing to speak.

"I came with 18 men to this place. I bet there is at least three times the number of Revelation members hiding in the crowd. These extra 14 or 15 men are not mine but if I had to guess where they came from I'd say Victoria." Pine said with a smile and shifted his eyes to Seth. "She was there when you gave your little 'if I were Captain I'd bring retribution to Paragon' speech. I assume you can guess why she sent them." Pine's eyes shifted back to the Pillar. "If you were as smart as your trying to imply you are, you would have taken the hint about my orders and asked about them. Yet all will be apparent when Seth answers my question this time, no point in hiding now is there? Pine's eyes turned toward Seth as he asked the rhetorical question. "So Seth, do you plan on offensive action against Paragon, a school which to my understanding is already amass in internal conflict, Yes or No?" Pine asked rather bluntly his eyes dead set on Seth.

[Aryck Venn]

Aryck would look down at Pine as he denied his request. He listened to the reasons he gave, and considered it. It would seem like a reasonable request, but something still seemed to be off. Aryck considered it a moment, as he first looked over his shoulder at Seth, and then back to the small army behind Pine.

And once again, Pine opened his mouth to try and talk to Seth. Aryck's eye twitched ever so slightly, an almost unnoticeable movement, especially considering that, by this point, most people never bothered to check Aryck's face for any sort of sign anyway.

"You... talk too much."

Aryck would cut the boy off somewhere in the middle of his contention towards Seth. As Pine would stop and look back the Pillar, who was still standing directly in front of him, Aryck would, regretfully, find himself forced to speak again.

"If the challenge has no weight, then there is no shame in accepting it anyway. One could appeal to Ein after the outcome, and would be set straight. Leaving only one conclusion: Cowardice."

Aryck shook his head, and spat on the ground just to the left of Pine. With that, his body would loosen considerably, and he would turn around and head back up the steps, heading in the direction of the Pillar's table. If this was Genaht, then Aryck was sorely disappointed.

[Seth Calloway]

With the "Warmind" refusing Aryck's challenge, the amusement fell from Seth's face, the gang leader realizing that any potential excitement during this lunch period was rapidly draining. With a sigh, he glanced back towards Pine, who had began yet another tirade of explanations and speeches, no doubt leading toward the same tired questions he'd been asking before. Even as the boy spoke, Seth pulled out his cell phone, noting that their free time was more or less over before flipping the phone closed and dropping it back into his pocket.

Seth's attention naturally shifted when Aryck spoke again, as was usually the case when someone who spoke so little decided to become vocal. The Pillar was leaving, and taking all of Seth's hopes of entertainment within this lunch hour with him. Seth removed the cigarette from his mouth, dropping it on the ground and grinding it with his shoe. It was time to bring things to a close, since the outcome was obvious.

"I had no idea Genaht had such people in positions of power within them... I suppose I gave them too much credit. You've come to enforce the rules, as you've said, yet when a Pillar, someone in a legitimate position of authority disagrees with your actions, you've shown him nothing but disrespect. You've brought eighteen gang members with you, a precaution I could understand, but what would be the point of flaunting your numbers? Revelation is not hidden amongst this crowd as you say... the students here stand side by side. United by the prospect of a defunct Captain being removed from his position."

The dark haired Junior stood from the table, stepping closer to the middle of the circle formed by the gathering crowd.

"Today is the day that Revelation, the very gang responsible for the freedom you all enjoy from the Watchers, becomes more than just a gang among gangs. Today, we all unite together, face our trials and hardships together, and emerge victorious... together."

The eruption of cheering nearly drowned out the sound of the bell ringing, signalling the end of the lunch period. For a moment, Seth hesitated, considered having yet another cigarette before thinking better of it; the new School Captain shouldn't be late for his first class this afternoon. Still, the gang leader couldn't help himself from walking closer to Pine, standing close enough to the smaller boy to lean down and whisper his last few words to him.

"Time's up. I win. I hope you prove to be more entertaining in the future."

With those last words, Seth would walk past Genaht's Warmind and head into the school, heading towards his first class of the afternoon.