Positions available, backbone required.(allies)

[stern]

Stern strode through the halls of Hircine, though scouting would be a better term. He had his eye on many things at the moment, such as the floor plan, utilities, security, and other such features.

What he was looking for among the students was entirely different. He needed manpower, that was his first step in his new plan. Unfortunately he was only a shadow of his former self at the moment, most of his organization still in Varron's district. The number of students still with him were counted by the handful. They were the best and the brightest, but they were still few. Stern needed to replenish some strength before he bothered advancing any further.

This time was different from last time though, as fitting a different environment. No longer would he simply defeat every gang he came across and absorb them into his own shadow network...there was not even enough loose souls at the moment for such a plan, though none of the figure heads out their seemed like a particular threat at the moment. Indeed, everyone was playing his game this time around....which meant Stern would simply lay another.

Lacking competition is a good way to get what you want after all.

Stern needed a smaller group for this strategy, a handful of capable people. They needed to be individuals, and stubborn about remaining that way. Capable of acting on deciding their own actions when necessary, and then being able to carry them out. He didn't need a nameless mass, he needed to recreate his original Individuals. It was a matter of finding the right people for the job at the moment. Really, Stern was looking for trouble, as he needed people who would not only pick a fight with the system, and strong enough to get away with it as long as it stayed small.

That was how Stern planned to work this time...small. It would be a convert operation this time.....with him as a hero in the light and a puppeteer in the shadows.

[taru]

Taru started to run through the hallways to get some exercise and to fuel out some of his frustration. He needed something to release his anger of previous events so he would able to feel better. Thats what he thought atleast. He started constantly looking for some to talk to or something. It didn't matter. But he needed to do something. Make something of himself. Something not looked down upon. All of these thoughts ran through his head as he thought of what to do. Or what he was capable of. He kept running till he turned to see him running right toward a student(Stern) he was few moments before impact but instead of hitting him, he slid backwards and landed on his back before Stern. He got up and wiped some dust off him self as he got up.

"Sorry about that. Some shit has been pissing me off lately. I needed to do something to keep me from going nuts. The name's Taru. And you are?"

Taru put his hand out.

This person...I never seen him before. Not ever. Is he a Hircinian. Maybe a Varronite. If that's the case, better be ready just incase he's a hot head. Taru held his hand out just incase if the mysterious student was actually nice. Probaly unlikely. Taru fitted a small smile as he looked at Stern...

[Pain Killer]

"God, I hate people."

The words spilled from Adam's lips as he caught sight of a kid running down the hall in front of him. Having just finished in the bathroom, he'd opened the door to hear the pitter-patter of little feet as Taru ran past him. With a small sigh, Adam shook his head and stepped out, watching the kid slip and fall, which brought some satisfaction to the self-proclaimed Pain Killer. Serves him right. I hate people in a rush. Before the thought could go any further, Adam's gaze had lifted higher, recognizing the familiar shape and face, one that never ceased to cause a reaction in his mind.

Stern... He's here?

His facial expression never changed from it's normal, somewhat annoyed look, though inside Adam was thoroughly confused. The last he knew, a riot had destroyed Varron Academy, similiar to Stern's plan, though not exactly orchestrated by him. Was his goals somehow not met, if it wasn't his own doing? It was an interesting thought, and one that he'd need to find out the answer to sooner or later. He remained where he was, watching the kid speak to Stern, though not listening to the words, Adam's hands beginning to clench and unfurl as he debated what to do. Things had somewhat changed since he'd last seen the student he'd decided to follow, though he still felt somewhat indebted to the younger man for his actions before. Hell, Adam still had the card in his pocket, one of the few possessions of his that survived the move to San Francisco.

Finally, Pain Killer's legs began to move, taking him closer to where Stern and Taru were, stopping off to the side from them both after Stern had reacted to the smaller student's question, if at all. His hands moved inside the pockets of his jeans, a relaxed motion far from how he felt at the moment as he found his voice, the words coming out with genuine emotion.

"Hey... it's good to see you, Stern. How've you been?"

Adam would pause for a moment, giving Stern his chance to answer if he chose to, before continuing.

"Um... you here for the same reason as last time? This school is nothing like Varron."

Inwardly, Adam wanted to kick himself. It seemed he always wound up sounding like a child around his former gang leader, despite everything he had done.

[stern]

"Hello, I'm Stern, nice to meet you."

Stern flashed a charming smile, one that seemed to promise good intentions. He put on a kind face, as he had yet to gain the same perception with Hircine students as he had created for the Varron masses, the determined peacekeeper, willing to strive for better. He had to start sometime, and there was no time like the present.

His eyes simply shifted afterward to Adam, who had chosen to walk up to them now. Here was someone Stern had been looking for. Adam was a little intimidated by Stern, and for good reason. Not only had Stern kept Adam in the dark like most of his followers, he had managed to actually fight Stern. It was a quick affair, in which Adam quickly realized he couldn't beat him. The memory stuck with him, and created what Stern took as a mixture a awe, respect, and admiration. Stern did him the favor and ignored the obligatory small talk.

"I'm afraid I was beaten to the punch last time Adam....Varron was such a weak place afterall....but your right, this place is different, but not better. The only difference is that the ass-holes holding the leashes have the school backing them....you want in?"

Stern didn't need to consider letting Adam become involved or not. His plan was different this time, and so he would not lose anything if Adam talked. He was a useful person though, and so would be a benefit on his side.

"Let's shatter this glass house, and build something worthy in it's place."

Stern had no intention of keeping his goals as secretive as last time. He was going to bring down Hircine, he was going to do it openly, and he was going to take the blame for it. He also wanted every single student in the school he intended to do it.

"Shall we give these Pillars a real challenge? I heard you already had a go with them?

[Pain Killer]

At first, Adam remained silent. He did, indeed, look up to Stern, but he had reservations from the last time he'd helped out the younger student. It seemed Stern encouraged Pain Killer to bring out the worst in himself in order to further his goals; the beating he'd given Yukimura in the cafeteria, the fact he'd almost killed another student with a bowling ball on the streets, all were a testament to how far he was willing to go in order to accomplish something of greatness. This hesitation, however, only lasted a moment, as Stern's next words did their job as always, renewing Adam's faith in him and his ideals.

"I think I do. I mean, I do, but I'm not sure the method you were going to use last time will work here. There was a riot not that long ago, but it was put down pretty quick."

Of course, Pain Killer figured that Stern already knew, but saw no harm in telling him anyway. After all, the gang leader had always had an impressive network, and not once did the youngest Rydell see him without a backup plan. Still, there was no need to withold information, either. At Stern's next question, Adam's face took on a bitter smile, the memories of his battle with Darren still fresh, a sore spot on his pride for failing in what should've been a win for the Senior.

"Heh, yeah. I took a shot at Darren already, nearly had him too. I could take him, given another opportunity, and I'm sure his Pillars are around his level, or they'd be School Captain instead. I don't know the Pillars though, never seen 'em really. Why? Are we taking a run at them?"

The thought of a rematch with Darren was promising, though Adam knew better than to assume he'd get his wish. More than likely, if such an event would happen, Stern would take the School Captain, as the younger man was the best fighter Adam had ever seen, bar none. No doubt Stern would have a third fighter to deal with the other Pillar, and thus, victory was almost assured.

Unless Stern had a completely different plan in mind. If so, Adam was certainly interested in hearing it, as it seemed bound to bring about some sort of revolution to Hircine, and possibly the school system itself.

[taru]

ooc:Sorry a bit short.

Taru was in a sort of alarmed state to what he heard the two people we're saying. Are they going to try to take out the pillars? That's pretty insane. Those two sentences went into Taru's head and started running around in a frenzy amazed that people would even try taking on those bastard pillars. It's just amazing though since those pillars basically run the school and they are the ones who supressed the school for a while till the Varronites came possibly stopping thier corrupt system.

"You two are trying to take out the pillars? That's quite a feat. Those pillars have shown thier power for quite a while. I heard some kid tried taking on Tiao and ended up getting smashed. And you whatever your name is, tried taking out Darren. The pillars are fierce and try to show all strength to keep us all in fear. I never got the chance to go against thier wills since I never had anyone to go with. Lots of the Hircinians prefer to have the pillars around. Pretty wierd in my case. If given the chance, I'd love to assist you in anyway possible."

Taru said with a smile. Taking down the pillars would get rid of the senseless beatings given by those bastard pillars. These two people probaly can take them out and as time passes, the pillars will be defeated and everyone will be happy. Well I'd be happy. Taru thought all of that in his mind and made a smirk. Yes peace with no pillars around or maybe a more civilized student body.

[pinefresh]

"Let's shatter this glass house, and build something worthy in it's place."
"Shall we give these Pillars a real challenge? I heard you already had a go with them?"

A school hallway has been and always will be the point of student discussions and gossip. All you had to do was listen to what was going on around you to find out who was dating who, who broke up, who dealt in what goods, who hated who, the list goes on and on with no end. You could learn anything you needed to know by the carelessness of others that also goes for people you may be able to trust.

On one of these average days Malikai had happened to come across a group of three males talking. Thinking nothing of what was going on until he heard the two sentences spoken as he slid by. With interest perked he slid to the side and pretended to open an unused locker and use it. Listening ever keenly to what was being said and going on.

The tallest one was the leader, or at least he seemed to be. The other student, one he had seen in the brawl not so long ago seemed to be a known subordinate based on how he communicated. This however in the long run was irrelevant to what he was hearing was about to happen. One of Varron's gangs was about to take root here and make things interesting for once.

There were two options to take here in this situation, the first was to inform the Pillars what was about to happen. For most Hircinian's this would be the logical choice, tell the authority they are about to be challenged. In this school it was brownie points that mattered the most and the best way to get around. Especially for a student who was not in the good graces of the established authority. Unfortunately this option was unneeded as it seemed what was about to happen would be no major secret. That left the second option, get in and help. These students seemed to be all Varronites and therefore would know nothing of the school and what was going on here. If they did it would not be to the same extent as Malikai did who had attended the school for a full year prior to the Varron transfers. If the gang became strong enough then they could overthrow the Pillars and Malikai would have gotten exactly what he had wanted.

"Heh, yeah. I took a shot at Darren already, nearly had him too. I could take him, given another opportunity, and I'm sure his Pillars are around his level, or they'd be School Captain instead. I don't know the Pillars though, never seen 'em really. Why? Are we taking a run at them?"

That opening gave Malikai his entrance and he closed the locker and made his presence known. "I may be able to help you with that information, about the Pillars and even some about the school." He approached the group slowly and cautiously as he spoke so he hopefully would not be attacked for seeming to pose some sort of threat. There was a small friendly grin on his face to show he meant no harm to the group and only wished to offer his services, and if he was lucky even the opportunity to join them.

[stern]

Stern stopped and took everything in, and then turned to Adam again. He said nothing, merely giving him a look with his eyes. It spoke volumes, as if he expected that just by raising his voice that he would get this reaction. Stern had noticed doubt in Adam's voice, and aimed to crush it. Doubt in him was the one thing that could ever wrestle control away by his followers, and he did not allow it.

"No Adam, I don't think I'll go after any titles, you know it's not my style. Besides, we became the best last time by avoiding reindeer games didn't we?'

Stern was happy about the results he received as well. His initial assumption behind his plan was absolutely true. This time he wouldn't need to manipulate everyone into fighting one another, breaking the tension between them. There was already a face to hate in this school, Stern just needed to be the one to grip that hate by the handle.

"As for you two, spread the word around if you wish to help. My name is Stern Mason, and I'm the strongest man in this school. I'm also the one who's going to take the least shit."

Stern needed to get the word out, as he didn't intend to be silent this time, and he didn't intend to keep his moves secret...well, not the ones he would make publicly.

"I'll be holding a meeting in the woods after school, anyone interested is free to attend. If you know anyone particularly able, I suggest you go find them. We'll talk over the details then. You wouldn't happen to know where I would be able to find anyone incredibly talented would you?"

[taru]

"Depends what you mean by talented. Apperantly me and you are around the same age. And theres many variations on "talent." I know a woman that's pretty talented with her acrobats and circus tricks and quite hard to get a full grasp on due to her crazy movement. And strongest man in this school. Quite a title to claim. And the least shit thing is quite believable. Me myself is sick of this crappy school system as well. And some talent I have is being a complete person with no fear and my insane will to never give even to the point where some one would want to die. And to be frank I have other talents but you have to be more precise on what you ask for. Those talents that I just mentioned are just some I know of. Others that can be mentioned when you ask for them. Anyways, a meeting in the woods isn't probaly the SAFEST...Never know when some wandering pillars go on the search. I'm not saying we can't take the pillars on but if we take any of them on now, it could all backfire at that point. So yeah thats what I'm saying Stern Mason. And I'm Taru. So talent isnt a problem as long as you exactly tell what your looking for. Finding it would be very...very simple. More simple then you believe."

Taru sighed as he finished his talking and scratched the back of his head. He found a locker to lean against as he awaited this stern's reply. Then he also heard him to spread the word.

"Gladly. I will spread the word very quickly but...Shouldn't we wait till we formulated a plan. I know I just got here and I'm a Hircinian but...Seriously. If we take on some stupid ass pillars without a plan. Shit could happen. No doubt in your abilities at all Stern it's just the fact we can kill two birds with one stone if we take a more "subtle" approach. Think, if we got a plan to do this, then working that plan with the spreading the word of you taking out the people causing us so much shit, well, you'd be unbeatable. And I'm sure your not going in there like a complete fool without any help."

Taru took another breath. He talked more than usual today apperantly.

[Pain Killer]

With a small shrug, Pain Killer more or less ignored Taru's first comment. Whether it was his inherent dislike for the student and his running ways, his incessant chattering, or the fact Adam just plain-well hated everybody, Taru didn't seem worthy of a response other than the small motion. Still, there was not much to say, even when another student made his presence known, clearly overhearing the conversation in progress. While Adam's eyes glanced towards him, he made no move to greet him, simply seeing the student as a necessary nusiance; while he hated to work with others, there was no way Adam alone could accomplish all Stern needed to have done.

When Adam's eyes travelled back to Stern in order to see the younger man's response, he caught the look being given to him, and immediately dropped his gaze to the floor. It was like being scolded by a parent, and while Pain Killer may not have known exactly why Stern was seemingly displeased, he would do his best to not slip-up again. As Stern mentioned the fact that they had both been the best, Adam's spirits lifted again, and he looked the other man in the face.

"Heh, yeah."

Once again, Taru began to speak, and this time Adam turned his head to look at the kid, the sheer length of his monologue earning Pain Killer's attention. There was several things that Adam could only shake his head in response to, though he still found it necessary to respond to Taru's suggestions.

"Don't worry, kid. Stern doesn't lose. But I suppose you'll find that out at one point."

Shrugging again, Adam looked back to Stern, listening to his last question while nodding in response to the meeting. He would be present, of course, but a show of loyalty could do some good in the other two student's eyes.

"Well, I don't know many students yet, but I'll keep an eye out. Anything else you need me for today?"

It was just like old times, and Pain Killer was beginning to anticipate the point where he was being given a focus again. To fix the system, and to learn from the one he looked up to the most.

[stern]

Stern was glad to hear Adam's reaction, as it showed his singular glance had accomplished his aim, to crush doubt. Stern truly gave notice to the strong, and unfortunatly that meant they could actually cause trouble if they decided to back out. Stern wasn't about to let that happen.

Adam was right, Stern didn't lose. If he ever truly lost, he wouldn't be here at the moment.

Stern turned and looked at Taru, who was expressing the eagerness he would expect of the recently oppressed. his excitement was audible by his sheer abandon of grammer in his speech. Stern was impressed by the energy, but not by the potential it could be used. He claimed to be a man without fear and an unbreakable will. That was Stern's definition of a fool. He would have uses, but he doubted he would be particulerly useful.

"By talented, I mean I want the strong, the smart, and all those who hate what this place is. Find them."

Stern then turned back to Adam, and responded to his question.

"I don't have anything particulerly noteworthy for you today Adam, though I would like you to assit in the call to arms. I think you'll have more sway than you think because of your little spat with Blayne."

He now finally turned his attention to the last one who who made himself known, who seemed quite reserved. He was interested in the events at hand, but was clearly planning on slowly testing the water before diving in. Stern decided to the exact same thing with him.

"So, what do you think you know that I could not find out?"

[taru]

"Hmm...Strong. Smart. People who hate this place. I got the last two and like half of the first one. Well..There is this girl. Her alias i believe is Layla. I don't think thats her real name though. She's an amazing acrobat as I mentioned. Insane I promise you. I could introduce you to her if you wished Stern. And I also know a few other people if you want. I'm just really sick of the shit in this school. How you can't do anything without a pillar attacking you or some bull crap like that. It's truly impossible when you constantly have those pillars constantly watching you and want to kick your ass at the moment they get the chance. And actually, that moment is everymoment. And I when I say smarts, I'm talking about deception and anything else. And basically, there's nothing I can't do. And plus, your strong aren't you Stern? You can easily take out the pillar system with everyone else. And your Adam right? I believe you should of beaten Blayne and I think you can. The pillars themselves have a weak structure. If you knock one pillar down, the rest get alerted. You use that to an advantage. Getting them paranoid. Always being restless...And instead of challenging the pillars, why not just throw the first punch in front of everyone. That shows real guts just to punch a pillar out of no where then beat the shit out of him. And Stern, I don't know if you know this or not but you taking out the pillars is actually doing a favor for all of us. A lot of people have been waiting for a certain someone like you to stand up to the pillars then beat the living crap out of each and every one of them with some comrades. So trust me, taking out the pillars will be easy with some careful planning. Promise you that."

Taru took a deep breath after speaking. He wasn't blowing smoke. The pillar system and certain loop holes that can be easily exploited and when that happens, the building collapses. Then everyone will be happy with the pillars gone and everything else in thier way gone. People think without the pillars havoc would ensue. But no, freedom would happen. Everyone would know that. Some pillars weren't all bad but, as long as they supressed some of the students, that is the only reason they need to be taken out. It was something everyone knew. Not all blah blah are bad but the fact is some are and thats the same fact that makes people have to take action eventually. This Stern guy is the first so far who actually had the closest thing to planning before just challenging pillars left and right. Taru made a smirk after he thought about all of this in his head before speaking again.

"So, what is your plan Stern?"

[pinefresh]

"That you couldn't find out?" Malikai repeated as more of a question than a regurgitation of what he had just heard. "You can find out anything if you ask the right people the right question. What I do see however is somewhat of a divide in the Pillars." Time for Malikai to play a little game called I know more than anything you might be able to find out. He knew you could only find out so much from people and there was much most people missed. Malikai had seen something he believed no one else had seen and if it proved correct then it would be an end to the Pillars.

"It's common knowledge that the Pillars are the puppets of the principle and for the most part do not like it. What most people don't notice is that they do not particularly like each other. For the very most two of them are at odds with each other. The two in mention are Darren and Kurtz. Kurtz loves power but hates being second in anything, as a man who loves to play games of chance he is only satisfied with being number one. It has shown a few times though in most cases indiscreetly and generally goes unnoticed. The fact is Kurtz is trying hard to use the people of this school to undermine Darren, it was most noticeable in his speech at the end of the riot. He told us that Darren would make them go back to class but being the better person he is decided that he would call the shots and send everyone home. It may not seem much right now but if you could exploit it...You could have the two going at each other without having to dirty your hands on the loser."

Malikai had no idea how much this had effected his listeners but he was sure it had done something. He knew what he had told them was the truth as he had seen it. A rivalry between two pillars could bring down all three then another mass riot. The logic was if the school was too busy trying to figure out which one to follow the divided groups would prove easy prey for an organized gang.

[stern]

"Hmmm..."

Stern took a moment to consider all that was said, sampling all the information that was given. He took the information as truth, but it didn't sound like it would be a point that would be defining in his efforts. If someone really wanted to undermine someone, they usually kept it to themselves, or did it openly. A few verbal jabs seemed like more of a friendly rivalry than anything else. Stern didn't believe in such things as a friendly rivalry, as there was always a less than friendly root to it. Still, the information could create an opening at least.

"Not bad, you have an eye for detail at least..."

Stern straightened and started to walk ahead, he had more things to do before his meeting started.

"I hope to see you there this afternoon....things are going to get very interesting."

Stern walked away from the group, leaving them to spread the word. Revolution was coming, and Stern was the one pushing it forward.