[center][b]Criston[/b] - Auditorium[/center] He smiled at the girl that had appeared talking about cowards and such. [b]"Would you rather we run in without any form of a plan? Sounds foolish to me."[/b] He spoke gently, keeping his tone smooth. Panic was the last thing he wanted to raise and raising his voice would do just that. He sent the girl (Tori) a small smile and then turned to Crash, hearing his words, as well as Matt's. He blinked, looking down at Matt and smiled. [b]"That's not a half bad idea. Though, I think it'd be better not to separate everyone that way. We want an even delegation of powers. If you think you are willing to go out there and face whatever is out there, join Group A off to this corner."[/b] He began, motioning toward the back of the room. [b]"If you'd rather protect those who cannot or will not protect themselves, stay here in Group B."[/b] He continued. He turned to look up at Crash, his smile still held there. [b]"Are you willing to join one of the groups as a leader? I'll take which ever group you don't want to lead."[/b] He asked, wanting to give the boy a choice. Criston was more than willing to put himself out there because he knew who lurked in the shadows, ready to help should things go south. Criston turned to a girl speaking (Kathy) and smiled at her, flashing pearly whites. [b]"Very good idea. Why don't you get started on that then? I'm sure they could use someone with a cool head like you here."[/b] He told her, his smile warm and kind. He was glad to have such a willing to lend a hand group around him. Even more so glad to have someone willing to stand up and take a leadership role. Things were going well this year. --- [center][b]Eric[/b] - Auditorium[/center] He sighed, watching everyone, the feeling from before still ringing in his ears. If he was going to fight, he'd have to have someway to draw and he'd either need to go outside or have his pad. He noticed a boy with ink but from what he could tell, the boy wouldn't spare it for Eric's powers. He walked over to the group gathering around Crash and silently waited in the spot Criston had mentioned, his eyes watching the floor with idle curiosity. He didn't want to go, but he knew he could at least try to help and this was the only way he could be of use. He'd rather be of use rather than cowering the corner. He knew he wasn't useless and his conscious would get the better of him in the end. Better to join now rather than wait that way, he knew what was going on along with everyone else. As h stood, his mind raced with thoughts of things he could draw. None of his people doodles would be much use. Maybe if he drew a gun... He took in a deep breath, clearly bothered and nervous. What was he going to do? What was out there? He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself down. [i]It'll be okay...[/i] --- [center][b]Maria Cross[/b] - Calm[/center] She listened to him with disinterested eyes, as if just watching with mild curiosity. [i]Of course there are people like you... Demons, all the same.[/i] She blinked at his next words about being made by humans. [b]"We made you?"[/b] She asked, a brow raised. She hadn't heard of such a thing, nor did she honestly care. She simply wanted him gone from her sight. [b]"Yet, you seem to be... different, as I like to see it. You're... a little stronger than some of the so-calleed angels that barely left a scratch. Heh heh.... Hehehe."[/b] [b]"And a fine woman, as well."[/b] He spoke. She nearly had to suppress a giggle. Was he hitting on her? How laughable. With a small smile on her face, she watched him. [b]"Why, thank you. You're no push-over yourself, sir."[/b] She spoke, raising a brow as his neck popped. [b]"My name is Apophis. My brother, Ma'at, that looney-bin that babbled about Order and Light, no longer watches over you all. Actually, he technically is, though he is quite... a part of me, now. After all, wearing your brother is like an undeniable family reunion. Yesssssssssssssssssssssss...."[/b] He spoke again, explaining. She nodded, listening to him, trying not to show her reaction to his words. Wearing his brother... Certainly one way to keep him around... Her thoughts returned to her own brothers and sisters. She had to say, she didn't hold them with very much regard either but still, she could never bring herself to kill them, no matter how they irritated her. [b]"Witness it!"[/b] He cried. [b]"And comprehend the might of our lord and savior, Lucifer! Embrace it!"[/b] Her eyes narrowed as he yelled, watching him... She couldn't help but feel disgusted by him. Even the strongest of men would buckle under his clear attempts at breaking morale. Maria had seen too much, even by human hands. Where he frightened her, her will to protect her students was even stronger. She had a duty to fill and no matter what she faced, she must not falter. That had been instilled in her long ago and she dared not go against it. There were far scarier forces at work in her own family. This man was just crazy, it was the calm ones that scared her the most; silent anger. The hawk spell still in affect, she could clearly see who Apophis had hit and she grit her teeth, her anger rising. She simply put on a smile, hiding her anger. She couldn't afford to make the first step. That boy would be okay, she'd see to it personally if she had to. With lips pursed, she listened to him as he turned to speak. [b]"So what's your name, missus? And why do you protect the girl so much? Just some questions I have wanted to ask. Do not worry; I haven't attacked yet, and I won't for today."[/b] He asked, putting his hands behind his back to wait. [b]"For today?"[/b] She asked, her eyes narrowing at him. She closed her eyes and decided to put that thought off to the side. She took a deep breath and smiled at the man. [b]"I am Maria Ann Cross. This child is my student and I know she is what you are after. Not much escapes my ears, I assure you."[/b] She replied curtly, her voice calm and collected. [b]"Now, if you would kindly... Tell me why you are here. Why did you come here? Surely not to just see this little girl."[/b] She asked, standing tall.