The other side of the fence. [Aden Allet]

[John Smith]

I had been busy in these past few days with arranging some stuff and getting some other things to fall into place. I had most of it up and running smoothly from my point of view. I could be wrong, and some larger conspiracy had already nailed me down, but I downright refused to believe that, despite the possibility. My own paranoia was heightened because of those thoughts. I took a casual glance around at the people. None of the seemed to be a threat, nor smart enough to do simple math. I was indeed at Paragon grounds now. It was quite warm for the start of a September month, so I was only wearing a black t-shirt to cover my torso, and a common pair of jeans. My black hair was messy as always, and I had a cold but neutral look on my face.

My plan for now was to either stop and find a place to observe the people here and wait for a student with authority to come by. Preferably one of the pillars, since the captain seemed too incompetent for me to use, and I couldn’t promise him anything useful, a pillar always held the desire of becoming a captain. Easier to have them agree to a deal if both had something to gain. My right foot stopped and it spun around so my back hit a tree. I relaxed and felt relaxed right here. In the shade of the tree I could see the entrance doors and most of the grounds. If either of the two pillars decided to show, I would see them.

I wonder I wonder. Can I control this pillar, or do I have to be careful around him like with Keith…

[Aden Allett]

A soft panting could be heard as Aden ran around the field of the school. He counted the laps as he went by, his legs pulling him along to go just a little further. The sun glared down, bringing the summer heat, sweat dripping down his head as he jogged on. His orange T was already drenched, resting heavily on his body as he continued on. His black shorts swayed as his legs moved along the field. He had been out like this for an unknown time. With his senior year, he held a spare class, meaning free time to take advantage of the school grounds for recreation rather than sitting around with a dull look on his face.

Coming to a slow walk, Aden changed direction towards the outside bleachers. He climbed up the first three steps; grabbing hold of the towel he had left on a plastic bag holding a spare shirt, as to not get dirty. Jumping down from the bleachers he made his way from the field to the front of the building, switching T’s and wiping sweat with the towel. The day was still fairly early and class wasn’t a top priority on his list of ‘things-to-do.’ As he approached the front of the school, he stuffed the sweaty shirt into the towel, bundling it up into a ball before laying it onto a nearby bench as he approached, taking a seat to relax shortly.

He looked around. Few were out at the moment; the heat and class drove everyone inside hoping for a cooler environment. Aden eyes followed the students as they walked by. Many tried to stay in trustworthy groups as to not be targeted by others. The violence of the school was an influence to the mindset of the students, their cautious thoughts rising as each day passed by. How amusing. He caught sight of an unfamiliar man off in the distance, disregarding him for the time. Many unknown people would show up to the grounds every now and then, Aden remembering the encounter with a Ms. Donahue.

’Paragon seems to be a popular place lately.’

[John Smith]

I would not have to wait long before I spotted something I could use. Did I just say something? Sorry, my bad. Someone I could use for my schemes. One of Tai’s pillars. He was not as easy to spot as the other pillar, but there were few people out and he stood out in the way that I knew what he looked like. And I also had his name. A good combination for approaching someone. I pushed away from the tree and walked out in the bathing sun. I felt the warmth against my face and lower arms as they were exposed to the sun. If the pillar decided to look over at me now, he would see that I was approaching him from the front. I took a couple of glances to both sides, to see if there was anything interesting going on that might need my attention.

Nothing at all. Interesting. I was under the impression that this school was a constant battlefield. I was hardly seeing any action at all around here. Could it be that the mere presence of this pillar provided this much peace? For some reason, I didn’t believe that for one second, but I would have to investigate the matters further at some point. Perhaps today when I was talking with the pillar.

”Pillar, Aden Allet?”

[Aden Allett]

“That’s me.”

The black haired man that had caught his eye approached from Aden’s front. With a glance, he seemed like any other student, whether he from Hircine or Paragon. Why was he being addressed by this man? Another person itching for a fight to ‘take on the Pillar,’ or a few hard words for working with Tai Yang, the hated one among Paragon students? Sitting on the bench, Aden squinted his eyes to make out the figure in greater detail, the sun glaring from behind as his head rose.

“It’s just Aden though, mate. Not like the Pillar title means anything around here.”

It was true. They Pillars had made little difference so far. It was a rare occasion to see the front of the grounds so peaceful, students just minding their own business and walking along, yet, inside, it was still a small battleground. A little chaos here and there. So why was it so dull? Oh yes, Aden had tasted the chaos this school had offered and held the title of one of the ‘elite’ all for what? Nothing. Sitting on his ass, watching Tai Yang, the one he was being associated with, throwing all their names in the mud with his antics. A smirk was hidden on his face as he thought of what was to come. The chaos and anarchy that would ensue. He knew of others who yearned for it as well and the thought of it couldn’t help but make him giddy inside.

But look at him now, rambling on in his head. Returning his attention to the man before him, Aden threw him a snide grin. He had to deal with this one first.

“Something I can help you with, stranger?”

[John Smith]

"Ah, excuse my rude behavior, I should have introduced myself a little earlier. I am John, John Smith."

This guy seemed level headed enough to actually shake hands with, so I extended my right arm with an open hand and would allow the pillar to grab it if he wanted to. If there was no physical response to my extended hand, it would return and I would be a bit more on guard. Because, getting a bad response from a pillar was rarely a good sign, especially not in a school where those in charge held little power beyond the range of their clenched fists. I was in that range, so any good response would leave me free from any immediate attacks, a bad response would probably force me to defend myself against the ”barbarian hordes” in the school.

”And quite the contrary. I might be of help to you, Aden.”

I sent a distrusting glance to either side, no one within range that could hear us. Good. Because it was now that things got interesting. And what better way than to start with an innocent question.

”Are you satisfied with your current rank in this school? Or do you think Tai is really the best man for the job? For if you say no to both of those questions, then I, as I said, might be of help.”

[Aden Allett]

Aden threw a grin at the man in front of him as he introduced himself, extending his arm for greeting. Aden’s hand made its way for John’s clasping it firmly with a brief shake. He returned his arm to his side, observing the man in front of him, curiosity written on his won face. Just what could this man do for Aden? There were few things he needed help with and he was perfectly content doing them himself. He hoped for an enticing offer from the man. The demeanor he gave off peaked his interests already, setting high hopes for something a little exciting in this dead battleground.

The man in front of him, John, looked at both sides worriedly. Obviously what the man had to say was something he didn’t want anyone else to hear. Secrets were all too familiar in a place like this; plans being hatched and discussed, but no one ever really getting anything done. Aden’s patience was tested waiting for something truly exciting. He shifted his body, laying his elbow onto his leg, his head being propped up by his hand as John spoke up.

A let out a soft brief laugh before catching himself to let John finish. How comical, asking Aden question on his thoughts on the school. Was he so important? It didn’t’ seem like it. His rank? Rank? Unimportant. It was merely a title and didn’t offer him what he had believed it would. Oh yes, enticing offers could seem as such, but you never really knew until they started. The Pillarship was nothing but a fraud, merely targeting you more than the other students. Was that a bad thing, being targeted by the other students? No. Oh god, no, but it did get boring. After you take one down, another will want to fight and then they quiet down. How pitiful these students were. True motivation is what the required and that would be handed to them soon enough. He stood up to be face to face with John.

“In a school like paragon, rank doesn’t matter. I had hopes it would offer a little more excitement, but look where we are, Mr. Smith. A couple of Pillar’s with a cowardly captain. To answer your second question, no, I’m not satisfied with Tai Yang as captain; hell, I don’t believe we need a captain at all, but for someone to take the title, and then do nothing? I don’t respect that. So the answer is no to both of your questions and I’m willing to hear your offer.”

[John Smith]

[OOC: Sorry for the delay, been strangely busy doing nothing ... Hard to explain.]

Ahhh, the wonders of diplomacy. It had some interesting parts. Like the fact that you never knew if the other part was just saying what you wanted to hear to know your plan, or if he was actually telling the truth. I couldn't really tell with this guy, but some things he did suggested that he was ready to do a lot to get rid of his ever so beloved el captani. With a smile I gestured toward the school using my formerly pocketed right hand. I had noticed that I had begun using gestures a lot more than I had before.

"That school, deserves much better than what Tai is making it seem like. But enough of that, what I will offer you, is my help at staging what is commonly known as a coup d'état."

I would stop speaking, to analyze his physical reaction to my preposterous suggestion. Betray his captain? Who had ever heard of something like that ... Oh, wait, it happened almost all the time. It was the natural order of things. I loved the predator like system they had here. With a graceful move my gesturing hand returned to my pocket and my eyes would turn away from Aden my eyes would settle upon the school again.

"I do not know who else he got on his side, beyond that other pillar, Arlen, and you would know better than I if he is a loyal to your captain or not."

[Aden Allett]

A coup d’état was one of histories greatest aspects. From violent to just political, the aspect was the same. Overthrow one power and put in place your own. At an establishment like Paragon, violence was the clear answer. What had Tai Yang accomplished so far? Getting the majority of the student population to dislike you wasn’t the greatest aspiration of one in his position. Oh, Aden did enjoy the thought; getting something done instead of sitting on one’s ass waiting for a new activity; an event. Initiative was key.

A coup would offer the end of Tai Yang’s reign, offering a new start for the students at Paragon. Oh how Aden waited for this. Yet, what was the point of establishing a new power after getting rid of the current. No, Aden held higher goals in his mind. Paragon, such a rebellious sight, weren’t ones to accept being ruled by others, especially students. No, the principal made it quite clear the day everyone arrived that the school was for violent freedom. The ability to do what you want when you wanted and no one to tell you, you couldn’t. With a captain, students felt like they had someone trying to lead and control them. Tia Yang wasn’t one who explained his plans in his position, the students never knowing how he would affect them. So why keep him? Why keep the position for anyone at all?

Aden thoughts were different, oh yes. Paragon, to truly be open for anything, needed the position rid of completely. No captain and no power to oppose the students will. Get rid of the enemy, and simply direct them to a new one. To rile the students up, make them believe anything you say is their idea and they’ll do it. With the rid of Tai, the students would be herded into new, exciting scenarios. A true battleground could be set up and excitement would be had.

John made it clear it was time to get rid of Tai. A stranger whose position may not even reside in paragon, Aden was one to wonder why this concerned him. Obligation to pure pleasure, he hoped it was the latter. The students would revert back to their primal selves and the school would go to hell. The logical conclusion, so why not go with it? John’s eyes turned to the school as he went on, Aden looking in the same direction with a grin.

“Tai Yang has a few allies. Some rag tag students here and there. Yet Arlen seems fairly loyal. I’m not sure if you could convince him or not and it may be best to not mention it at all.”

He was tired of Tai Yang’s reign. The impatient student wanted more to do, more to experience and Tai Yang wasn’t doing anything to offer such. Getting rid of the captain was the best choice, the only one and it would lead them to the largest, most entertaining conclusion.

“I’m interested. Who wouldn’t be? But meeting you only today, there is no way of telling if you are trustworthy.” His glare shifting back to the man.

[John Smith]

I was not much of a detail planner. I preferred to look at the big picture and let the details get sorted out along the way. I could not do that this time around. Because this was probably my last shot. My final shot before I could no longer hide in the school system and the cruel world would claw me to a silly bloody pulp. Besides, I was still only in the shadow of my brother and his constant meddling in my affairs made me angry. But he thought I was dead. I was free like a bird! Wonderful. And had I been any smarter, I would have kept a low profile, but I was not a guy for a simple life. I had too much pride for such a luxurious simplicity.

Now for the matter ahead, it was time I began playing my part to the utmost. I’d rather have Aden believe I wasn’t smart enough to make an elaborate plan. That way I wouldn’t be considered a threat to him and he would get to play all smart and I could withdraw again once this little coup was over.

”Heh, I guess you can’t trust me without an explanation, but Tai decided to devastate some of my friends so I really want to wipe that grin off of his face. That is why I hoped you would be interested, for I can’t do much on my own, I am not a good fighter…” Pfft, one of the finest to date! ”… I hope that is a good enough reason to trust me, if not, then I don’t know what to do.”

I paused my talking, I was indeed a gifted liar. My voice had turned quite sad and at the same time fierce with determination when talking about my friends … Friends who didn’t exist, but I bet there were some people out there whom Tai had used excessive force against. A good cover story because the number of students would simply be too large to go through.

”But, you know Tai best, so, what do you propose we do?” I inquired.

[Aden Allett]

Paragon; a violent, sadistic area full of student after student beating on each other. It happened anywhere and everywhere at any time. Small fights, yes, but fights none the less. A scuffle here and brawl there, it was all to be expected. But this man? He was no paragon student. Oh no, too smart for that. The best they had here lately were large possibly challenged brutes who couldn’t distinguish left from right. From Kuni, who only wanted his random excitement, to Tai, who had his own agenda that wasn’t progressing, it was clear that there wasn’t much getting done. Yes, Aden was the one most excited at the thought of a full battlefield, but ‘one school versus another’ not only sounded tempting due to the physical outcome of the students, but what followed. A bounty of power. To own both school and do as you wish. Oh, it was such a wonderful thought; he almost believed he could taste its delicious outcome.

This man though? Aden squinted his eyes in a scrutinizing disbelief. His calm walk through Paragon grounds, his casual demeanor and clear thoughts on the school. What he wanted out of the disappearance of Tai was obviously much more than simple revenge for some friends of his. No, this man was rather devious, indeed. His acting fit was see through, a complete change from his prior personality that he gave off. He had something planned and wanted Aden’s help. The question was, would Aden be stabbed in the back, already lied to?

“You’re full of shit,” Aden mentioned, folding his arm. “I don’t believe what you want out of this is so simple and I don’t trust you either.” His cold, scrutinizing glare turned to that of a smirk. “But you’re entertaining, mate. And that’s more than Tai has offered me. However, if you want my help, I’ll expect a real reason.”

Bringing his arms back to a relaxed position, he pondered to just how well he really knew Tai. It wasn’t as vast a knowledge as the man in front of him would be hoping for, oh no., but he did know enough, being one of his right hand men. A thought of resentment ran through Aden’s mind as Smith inquired as to what they should do. What was this guy trying to pull? Asking all these questions only for Aden to make a plan? Either completely hopeless or a proud deceiver, Smith was doing his bets to get Aden on his side.

“I don’t believe any plan I make matters, does it, John? I’m sure your cooking something up.”

[John Smith]

So, I was full of shit? He had dragged my lie out rather easily and beaten it to death before it had left the nest. I was not angered by this, in fact, I was impressed, this guy had some talent at spotting liars and was very keen observer. A smirk that resembled Aden's own smirk, appeared on my face. I would not deny the fact that I had been full of shit. That would just turn things strange.

It is never that simple...

"I might be from Hircine, but I am a misplaced boy. I plan to capitalize on that war you will help me start once we have put you in an elevated position."

But the other thing he had said bothered me. I was naturally cooking something up. But if I did my cooking on one side, and Aden did the cooking on the other side. Tai could not tell our dishes from the mixed scents. I guess it was simply a matter of trust. Aden did not trust me enough to open up for his vault of trivial - but - valuable information about Tai. I would have to fall back in my old role as a leader, but not order Aden to do stuff, but rather suggest it.

"I had my eyes on the former pillar from Hircine, Tiao. He is a good fighter and more than capable of holding Tai's attention. But, this is your school. You ought to know someone who can be used for a fight. -

I took a deep breath and looked at the school itself - in there lay a potential to become the dread of San Francisco. This city's Varron Academy. I almost felt a hint of nostalgia thinking of the past. My head turned away from the school, small almost forgotten memories flooded to the front of my mind. The first time I had seen Varron Academy and other useless memories like that. I was really losing my grip on reality.

" - but... If Tai is feared because of his physical strength. Then beating him down with almost no viewers will do us little good. A crowd will have to watch him go down for that fear to be extinguished. But this is just an idea. If you have a better plan, then go ahead."

[Aden Allett]

Aden listened intently as John explained just what he wanted out of their actions. Wanting to get the most of a war situation took a lot to say. The wrong ears hearing such things wouldn’t only cause problems for Smith, but Aden as well. Being associated with a man like Smith and being caught wasn’t the ideal situation. It made sense that the man was trying to keep his plans on the down low rather than just explaining himself to Aden. Offering minimal information, he was trying to be careful and, Aden had to admit, Paragon wasn’t the place to be bragging about your plans.

Smith went on to explain aspects of what he wanted. Allies were a necessity of course and the first name out of his mouth was Tiao. The ex-pillar over near at Hircine found himself in paragon grounds, Aden’s territory. Already having one run in with the man, Aden wasn’t set to the idea of having him as an ally. The man’s attitude didn’t come off as one that would want to help them to begin with. Then again, Tiao was yet another student to show his dissatisfaction towards Tai, rather blatantly. Aden grimaced at the thought, but it was true, Tiao was capable and would make a great ally. If against tai, that reason alone could bring him over, yet the man seemed more of a wild card than anything.

“Tiao’s up to you. I have no business with the man, but you’re right he is a capable fighter. He also shows a large amount of dislike towards Tai. There are plenty of no name students, followers and such that would gladly help as well. I’m sure they’d be easy to gather up. I’ve met a couple of other students against Tai as well. Kunioku is an eccentric student against Tai along with another one named Jack. I don’t remember his last name, but he’s easy to spot. ”

Aden eyed Smith as he looked over to the building behind him. Glancing himself, he felt disappointed with the current events. It was so quiet. He needed something to liven the place up, oh yes, and that just made smiths offer that much more tantalizing. Paragon was the perfect place for Aden’s ideals and he’d be sure to use it top it’s fullest. That ensured Tai would have to be taken out of the picture, possibly along with the principle himself.

Aden’s glance returned to Smith, the man giving his ideas for how to get rid of Tai. Yes, he was feared by some, sought after by others, with the rest of the student body caring little about him at all. But to get rid of him in front of everyone, which would truly show how little power he had and open the doors up for pure anarchy, and lead to the war both parties sought after. How Smith capitalized on the outcome wasn’t Aden’s concern, but getting it started was his main goal.

“If you really want to have both schools at it, you’ll need to get rid of Tai; that’s definite, but as for how that’s done is up to you. Personally, I suggest getting enough allies to simply grab him and take him to the public. Short, simple, and sweet. I doubt Arlen would be much of a threat with enough people and who knows we may even be able to convince him to our side. He seemed reasonable enough when not flinging lockers through the halls.”

[John Smith]

It was not like I wanted to trust Aden with all of my plans and I was pleased that he didn’t decide to ask closer about my plans for abusing the war. But I noticed something distinct in him when he talked about Tiao. There was something about Tiao that this boy didn’t like. There were many things about Tiao you could hate. His blunt behavior, his flaring temper, his constant fighting with other people … but that was only if you did not see the possibilities in having such a person on your side. I would have told Aden that I would talk to Tiao myself, because if Aden did not like the boy, then him handling the recruiting would be a major hazard.

”Yeah, I’ll handle Tiao and I don’t think all of the no name students are worth recruiting. They’ll just follow their student-idols.”

I said and let him finish talking about what he thought was the best course of action. I didn’t like his lack of saying we, perhaps he did not know that it was him who was supposed to deal with Tai.

”It is not I who will bring Tai down. That is another definitive. I will help you find people who can be in assistance when you take down Tai. For if I do it, then it will just be a Hircine student lashing out at the other school.”

[OOC: Sorry for lateness of shortness]

[Aden Allett]

John seemed rather efficient. Voicing that he would deal with Tiao, Aden thought of more effective aspects to be dealt with. The little no-name students would follow whoever they wanted. As public word got around, people clung to the ones sitting on top the best they could. That just meant some of the best allies were the most influential. The bigger and more reliable the group, the better. Paragon students, aggressive, were best lead in packs to wreak the most havoc.

He gave a brief frown as John discussed Aden’s own involvement. Of course it was Aden’s responsibility to deal with Tai. A hircine student, as Smith made quite clear, would only make it look like the opposing school was making an offensive action, ruining any plans for what Aden had in mind. Yet it ran in his mind, it would still be fun to watch paragon fight back. No, Aden was in this for the largest outcome. He wanted to see the most destruction possible and a simple school aggression wouldn’t allow that. It’d take much more.

“I’m aware that you want me to personally deal with Tai and I’ll do so. I also agree it’s best for you to ‘lay low’ in a sense. A Hircine student against Paragon would cause unneeded conflict before it was due. That’s no fun at all.”

John here was one with a devious mind. Getting others to do his dirty work while he stayed to the side lines, or so it seemed. Was that what he was going for? It didn’t matter. Someone had to take down Tai, so it might as well have been Aden, his Pillar. He would get what he wanted out of it, and John would go do as he pleased as well. It was business in its truest form.

But what did he want out of it?

[John Smith]

I always enjoyed when my talks went in the right direction and when the person I talked to was cooperative. But it was a different matter when you tried to push plans into motion. For an example, I had no knowledge about Tiao except the fact that Keith didn't like him and that he had been a former pillar at Hircine. I was not certain if it was a sense of loyalty I should try and ignite in him or if I should attempt to have him preemptive Tai so there would be no war (supposedly). It was a dance on a knife's edge... But I was getting talented at balancing while throwing a dozen of things in the air and catching it while people held their breath.

"Good that we clarified that, but is there anything else you might need to know? Ah, naturally. Here, my cell-number. Call or text me if there is anything ... hmm... Unusual going on."

I would take one last glance around as I handed the piece of paper with my number on it. I saw none I found worthy of inspecting further. But I had lingered here long enough and it was time for me to move on. So, unless Aden here had something very important to tell me, then this would be the end of our first meeting.

"But, I think I've tested your schools awareness for long enough, and people might start to wonder who their precious pillar is talking to. So, Aden, it is time for us to depart. The best of luck."

I would take a step back, unless he had anything further to say, then I would be leaving.