“How tedious….” Angel spoke while seated in aircraft that was transporting him along with quite a few ‘attendants’. His gaze casually bouncing from one Asylum to the other, almost all of them belonging to a specialized division known as Overseers. A rabble created by the Chrono Tabion to keep tabs on anything deemed to be a problem to A.M.R.O.

“Is this really necessary?” Angel spoke again out of sheer boredom, his company was one that liked to keep silent. His hands nudging forward revealing the bulky restraints placed on his wrists, a magnetic handcuff that injected him with Anti-Alchemy poison at a timed interval.

“It is necessary till the charges are dropped,” replied one of the Overseers in the usual uptight tone associated with their kind, something Angel found exhausting. Perhaps this was one of the reasons why the Lost Number found it rather amusing to tease the lot.

“I could add you to the kill count?” He replied with a cruel grin before shrugging and leaning back, the smile only growing wider as soon as he got the reaction he wanted.

“You’re a fucking monster!” One of the younger lads spoke up while glaring at the prisoner, his fists shaking with fury. “How can you joke about this? Good men died!”

Angel merely yawned in reply, finding all this self-righteousness a bit dramatic. “If history has taught us one thing……it’s that good men are good at dying,” he chuckled as if remembering some old joke before leaning back and getting as comfortable as a prisoner could get.

----------------------Xx--------------xX--------------------
Asylum Class: Alchemic Philosophy

“No one really knows the origin of Alchemy but nigh endless research has helped us understand its fundamentals!” Professor Klein spoke to a large class of nearly fifty students, each one only moderately interested in his class, “The Philosophy of Alchemy”. Even so the professor continued on.

“There is an alien source of energy that envelops the world and only alchemists have the ability to draw this energy and then release it. This process is known as an Alchemic drive and that defines your capabilities as an Alchemist. The stronger your alchemic drive the greater your potential. A trained alchemist must never underestimate the importance of an alchemic drive, every alchemist has one and it is as unique as your very own heartbeat. With training you can even sense another alchemist’s drive and with further training you may even decipher the outcome. Let us have a demonstration.” The professor suddenly slammed his gargantuan note book on the desk gaining the attention of the class. “You” the professor pointed to one of the slacking students. “Stand up and hit me with any type of alchemic attack, if you succeed you may consider this course cleared.”

That seemed to draw a considerable amount of interest as everyone became a bit more animated, all eyes on the slacker who showed a wicked grin as he rose to the challenge. His outstretched fingers already working on a cast, each movement drawing in that tantalizing alchemic energy, a torrent of power that swirled inside him, begging to be released. A heartbeat later, lightning struck from the tip of his fingers only to fizz out before it could discharge, the result a pitiful spark akin to one of those mosquito zappers.

“What….” The kid stood baffled while staring at his hand, galled at his own pathetic display.

“This is what can happen when you understand your opponent’s alchemic drive. You can disrupt it through your own. Class dismissed!” With that the professor returned to collecting his note book and belongings, sighing as he could hear each student charging out of his class. “God help those new Asylums coming in to teach these hooligans!”

------------------------------Xx-------------------xX-------------------------------

Tabion stood in front of a whole squadron of Asylums, each one of them having been called from the field in order to share their expertise with the new generation.

“Welcome back to Innocence, I’m sure this place needs no introduction. It has been home to all of you once, you trained here, you lived here and you were created here!” The man spoke in a tone that commanded respect. “This place is our bastion from where we make Titans! Each of you has a duty to the next generation of Asylums, you must be the final hammer that molds them. Each of you will take the role of a mentor, you will share your tactics, your secrets, your successes, your failures, and your wisdom.” The Chrono intoned the age old words spoken to every Asylum that has come and will come to Innocence. His charisma alone was enough to have some Asylums standing straighter, for this was a man loyal to A.M.R.O body and soul and this was one of the 12, a Chrono, the strongest Alchemists in the entire world. With those words spoken the large man gave a brief nod to each Asylum and with that walked off to a landing bay where another aircraft had just begun to land.

“That was rather intense,” Geko whispered once Tabion was out of ear shot, the Lost Number had stood behind the Chrono and was the one responsible for providing the Asylums with the keys to their rooms. He didn’t bother to introduce himself, just like everyone knew who Tabion was, almost everyone knew of Geko. One of the oldest surviving Lost Numbers and one of the most deadly assassins in A.M.R.O, also a grade A pervert.

---------------------------------Xx----------------xX--------------------------------

“Welcome to Innocence,” Tabion greeted Angel as he stepped out of the aircraft, his hands bound with that magnetic handcuff, a sigil crafted chain wrapped around his torso, his feet shackled with another chain leaving just enough room to walk at a slow pace.

“Good to be back, I do hope you could have one of those visiting Asylums bring me a meal to my cell, I am famished” the Silver Reaper replied with a patronizing smile. Both of them staring at each other for a few seconds before he was led away by the Overseers.

“Reri won’t be too pleased Tabion….” at those words even the Chrono felt a slight chill, the leader of the Overseers hated chaos and nothing was more chaotic than a conflict among Chronos.

This was her moment to shine.

It had been a rocky start since becoming an Asylum two years ago. Between their high failure rate with missions combined with her partner’s lack of interest in finding more work to better their performance it has been hard finding a way to stand out other than the unappealing nickname given to her team that has been circulating within the auditing department she joined two months ago. However, she had a feeling within herself that things were changing for the better. They were able to complete their last two missions flawlessly and waiting for them upon their arrival home was an invitation to Innocence.

She was certain that this was the push her team needed to finally make an impact.

‘Isn’t this great Zane!’

Even though Bella conveyed her thoughts telepathically to her partner, her excitement could easily be seen around her as she gave a slight nod throughout Tabion’s speech. Her thigh length beige cardigan was just short enough that her fingertips could be seen rapidly tapping against her legs as she gave off a slight smile on her face.

‘Zane? Can you hear me?’

Her smile vanished after not hearing a response from her partner. She glanced to her right towards Zane who was wearing a dark grey flannel shirt along with black tinted sunglasses-- glasses that he wasn’t wearing when they first arrived.

‘Seriously? You better not be doing this at a time like this....’

The response Bella received was a single light snore from her partner who through intentional training throughout Innocence has mastered the skill of dozing while giving off the appearance of being alert.

‘Why now? This is so embarrassing.’ With Bella’s pale complexion it was easy to see her cheeks becoming red. As Tabion finished his speech and walked away Bella gave a swift kick to the side of her partner’s leg with her ankle length boot which was made for fashion rather than a pair of AMRO issued boots.

Interlacing his fingers and stretching his arms above his head Zane gave a loud yawn before slowly scanning the area. His gaze stopped at his partner who was now turned towards him and visibly frustrated. “What?” Zane said nonchalantly as he gave another yawn. “It’s not like I missed anything.”

“...you promise...no sleep… so why sleep?” A feminine voice said from Bella’s glasses. Being deaf, Bella’s main form of verbal communication came from her glasses which has been the bridge for her to the hearing world.

“I said that I would consider behaving but I never promised you anything. Besides, the question shouldn’t be why sleep?” Zane said as he took his sunglasses off and stored it in his pocket. “The question should be why waste my time when there are better things to do. Tabion’s speech was probably the same old motivational speech that has been copied, jumbled around and then pasted with a pinch of creativity if we are lucky so what’s the big fuss about tuning out bits and pieces of it?”

‘Zane, please don’t. Let’s not cause a ruckus.’ Bella shook her head no as she moved their conversation telepathically as she glanced towards the Tabion and a prisoner that just got off the plane. She wasn’t sure who the man was but he seemed vaguely familiar from the paperwork she had processed in the past. Even with her slight curiosity she was certain that she didn’t want to be near him seeing that he was in chains.

“Fine.” Zane said with a shrug before walking towards Geko. “Are you here to give us an encore to the spectacular speech we heard or are we free to go?” Zane said to the lost number with Bella in tow who purposely stayed two paces further away from Geko compared Zane with the hope that the distance would be enough to avoid any antics he might come up with.

“... Sorry for Zane… rude behavior.” Bella communicated apologetically.

Elsa kept her expression serious, but relaxed. She saw no reason to present herself to be an asshole. Samad got under some Asylum’s easily enough, and she refused to add to those issues. She listened to Tabion’s little ‘welcome’ speech while she summarized his personality pretty easily.

Authority immediately sprung to the front of the list. Thankfully he hadn’t been the first of his kind in her life, and she knew how to handle them. Especially when they held their duty too close to their chest.

At the mention of being a mentor, her green eyes shifted to her partner. Samad stood there like a statue made from blood and flesh. Little surprise, she let the thought pass over to her partner who knew what she meant.

You know I can hear your thoughts, ḥamal ṣaġīr (little lamb)?

Elsa just gave him a subtle smile. Of course, she knew. She didn’t even let his little pet name for her get under her skin. They locked eyes for several moments before Samad gave a mental sighed.

Their conversation was interrupted when they felt Tabion’s eyes on them. In unison, their attention shifted back and spotted his nod toward them. It wouldn’t have surprised the pair if he could see into the silent conversation between them. Thankfully, the man decided he had better things to address than a pair of distracted Asylums.

Samad frowned when he noticed Geko. The rumors edged into his mind over the grade-A pervert causing Elsa to give him a scrutinizing look. His eyes darted back to her followed with a telepathic question.

What?

Snap judgment much? Elsa retorted, her hands placed on her hips and faced him.

Samad sighed. Let me get the keys, kay? Last thing I need is forcing myself to behave and you forced to smooth things over.

You do realize, he tries anything unreasonable I’ll use my charm to get out of it? Her lips curled into a knowing smirk.

Is that what you call kicking someone-

Elsa immediately kicked his shin side, but Samad merely chuckled. It proved his point well enough. Besides, his partner didn’t put her full force or any malice into the action. Annoy as she was, she never hurt someone over the petty things. Letting her weak efforts roll off his back, he dropped his arms and walked to Geko and two other asylums addressing him. Meanwhile, Elsa held back to observe how the situation would play out.

Geko chuckled as he turned to face Zane, his sassy attitude reminding him of the countless fledgling Asylums he had met, most of them were now veterans while the rest never managed to get that far. Such was the life of an Alchemist under A.M.R.O, either you survived or were weeded out. The Lost Number hoped that these two fledglings would blossom. His trail of thought was broken as the Asylums partner Bella intervened and made peace.

"Its not an issue, we were all young once just not as beautiful as you my dear," Geko flirted casually before turning to Zane once more. "Don't worry lad, you won't catch me making long speeches, I wouldn't want you to doze off with your eyes open again." The Lost Number locked eyes with the Asylum, a smile on his face. His spare hand moving ever so deftly towards Bella's bottom, only to be distracted by another Asylum walking up to him, this one the Iranian Alchemist. This distraction was all that was needed for him to have his guard down and in turn be drop kicked in the face.

"You little shits!" Geko growled as he was hurled ten feet away from where he was standing, his body rolling on the ground with his hands clutching his nose. "Ghaaa my nose, couldn't you have waited another two seconds!" The Lost Number continued to agonize in the corner, more flustered from being denied the chance to grope the female Asylum rather than being drop kicked in the face.

"Always be aware of your surroundings lest you face a boot to your face" a teenager quoted Geko's words back at him as he stood there with a shit eating grin. "I'm afraid the boys and I have gotten a bit tired of these pointless classes so we decided, might as well go for the short cut, beat one to become one!" The boy in the middle spoke to the fresh batch of Asylums rather than the Lost Number writhing on the floor, his challenging tone inviting a group of students. Each of them appeared to have been prepared well before hand, every one of them was in a prototype training battle armor, designed to protect them in sparring courses that were deemed too dangerous.

"Mr Geko as per the rules you are to assume the position of an observer, time to get to work boys!" On que the group that were biding their time exploded into action. These were not mere kids but highly trained individuals and it showed in their actions, they capitalized on the ensuing confusion to mount their first strike. Daggers and guns appeared in their hands and by the time they had closed the distance each and every one of the students had finished preparations for their casts and their alchemic drive activated and a flurry of devastating alchemic attacks followed. Lightning and fire rained down on the Asylums coating the entire area in a blanket of smoke and debris and amidst it each of the students activated their tactical vizors so as to see heat signatures.

Geko had made sure to get well clear of battle ground, a soft whistle escaped his mouth as he couldn't help but appreciate the planning and execution of this group. This was something pre-planned and nothing could have stood in their way......well nothing except.....ASYLUMS.

One other person seemed to stand apart, observing this spectacle. She was calmly leaning against a shaded wall, her figure almost blending with the darkness as she anticipated what was to come, a part of her wanted to join the fight, despite having already defeated an Asylum in combat, especially since she was just so bored from the lack of talent around her. "Guess I’ll just have to wait and see!"

---

Like most Asylums, Samad and Elsa were well-trained killers. They rarely let their guard down even in a place of safety so few things caught them by surprise. Especially within Innocence.

The moment Geko went flying back from a drop-kick to the face and flew to the far wall, Samad’s arm lowered to his waist. His fingers gripped his blade while he stopped in place. In his mind, he could sense Elsa preparing her alchemy drive followed by his own.

Though the students rushed the asylums with trained precision and skill, they didn’t have the experience. A weakness he aimed at exploiting to its fullest. He would drive his point home, even if a few went into the hospital for a few weeks.

Samad, go easy on them. They are too young to understand.

Samad rolled his eyes, multitasking as he mentally answered her.

Are you more worried about the students or that I’ll be punished for breaking AMRO’s property?

Both. Elsa answered in a smug fashion.

It didn’t take long for him to complete his spoken spell causing the lightning and fire spells shot at him to slow down. His eyes monitored their closeness while jittery energy surged through him. Knowing the attacks would still hit, he immediately glanced back to Elsa. He divided the speed between himself and Elsa. She never fought him when he used his alchemy drive because she trusted him. The reality of their bond in mind, she took his gift.

His right leg moved back causing him to zoom back several feet outside the attack range. Elsa managed to follow him and stood nearby, her arrow notched to her bow. When they heard the thump of the students enter the impact zone, Elsa’s sharpshooter skills allowed her to aim for the location Samad had been moments before. It shattered onto the ground causing ice to rapidly spread across it. Any individual within the area effect would find their legs fastened with large blocks of ice before the smoke cleared.

Collab Between Rina and Ryver (Double R's Go!)

Bella could feel her cheeks start to redden again at Geko’s flirtatious response. She knew that she didn’t want to lead him on but wasn’t certain on how to best draw her boundaries with him. Would a blunt response to avoid any further comments be best? Would it be better to shrug off his comment and ignore it? It was situations such as this that she wished Cici was with her. Unlike her, her friend would know how to best react.

‘Are you almost here? You said that you were a few minutes away and that was over five minutes ago. There was a hint of urgency in Bella’s question as she reached out telepathically to Cici, tuning out of the conversation between Geko and Zane.

'The perfect cuppa takes three minutes to steep. You know that, Belle.' came the smug response. 'Twas a rough crowd and I jolly well deserve this respite. Fancy one?'

‘Well, not rea…’Bella’s words trailed off as Geko suddenly was kicked. Looking towards the students, Bella could see the drive to win seeping out of them. ‘Hopefully you’re ready to fight. It looks like the students were waiting to fight us.’

“Are you really that desperate to leave Innocence that you are willing to take a gamble at your life?” Zane scoffed at the boy as he pulled out a coin from his pocket and flipped it in the air before letting it land on the back of his hand with a lion facing up. “Even in a sparring match you need to calculate all your risks and the chance that an Asylum might accidentally slice your head off.

Without waiting for the student to respond Zane threw a heavy punch towards the student’s face and as he punched, the coin expanded into a shield which covered his left forearm and ended at a point by his fist. Zane intentionally angled the point of the shield away to avoid any deadly lacerations knowing that the impact itself would buy him enough time. Even if the student didn’t fall back the cut would be enough to introduce anti-alchemy substance into his bloodstream.

“No time for line, rhymes or gimmicks
Strength must surge yet again
To squash the pride out of students
Muscles build, skin hardened”

Zane said in a loud voice as he scooped Bella up with one arm. With the Asylums behind them and the students in front, he knew that being in the center of the battle wasn’t an efficient place of combat. With the added strength to his leg muscles, Zane was able to leap high above the students and landed behind them, moments before the battleground turned to ice.

‘Zane, you’re not really going to try and kill them are you?’

Lemony nodes of Earl Grey announced Cici's grand entrance into the madness. Her ladyship sipped, with pinky out, from the porcelain cup in her right hand and a saucer in her left. She stepped swiftly behind Bella, allowing her friend to guard her and the precious cup of tea. "Thanks, love. I know you've got me." Cici winked when they were face to face.

The drying blood stains barely hidden against the dark brown of Asylum's corset confirmed her assessment; her mission had been rough enough to draw the sniper closer to the fray and it likely ended in a bloodbath at close quarters. Cici raised an eyebrow in wicked amusement and exchanged the cup for a shortbread biscuit. She waved it temptingly at that open mouth. "Biscuit for your thoughts?"

'Ignoring them is the best way, you know. Let them tire themselves out while we watch and laugh. Zane?' Cici zeroed in on the third party in their friendship as the shortbread disappeared between her own lips. 'Really, Belle, my pretty, this is practically tradition. It's our turn to haze the recruits. Just let loose and have fun!'

‘Maybe on a typical day Cici but these kids need to get knocked down a few times and humbled. Their ignorance will get them killed if they think they can waltz into a fight like this.’ Zane said as he took a few paces in front of the other two in anticipation of any stragglers. ‘Besides, if I scare them enough maybe they will be too timid to bother me for the rest of our time here.’

The Craftswoman hummed her approval, turning her attention from Zane, and watching the duo across the room. She beamed a little wider having caught a glimpse of 'Ice Mother'. Nudging Bella mentally, she directed her friend's flustered attention towards the Wrecking Crew. 'Do you know the song 'Let It Go' from Disney? I dare you to hum in front of Elsa later.' Cici teased as she pressed a familiar orb into Bella's hand.

‘No…wait, yes...’ Bella mumbled with hesitation. ‘I know the movie but I don’t think she would take the joke well.'

'Aw it'll be fun!'

"Tarantallegra," she spoke using her real voice. She winked at her friend again, knowing that few of the students would catch the Harry Potter reference. She hummed the opening bars of 'Shall We Dance?' once Bella started taking aim.

She continued humming while sending Zane and Elsa a friendly suggestion. 'Might I suggest avoiding the blast radius? This is one cast that will keep you on your feet for the rest of the day.'

‘Got it’. Zane responded as he took a leap back and waited for the sigillum to take effect.

The sound of sweet wrappers crinkling behind them made Cici spin around. She blinked in surprise at the two ginger children standing calmly in the doorway and sucking their lollipops. She raised an eyebrow which prompted the girl to respond with a bright smile.

"We learned to teleport yesterday," the thirteen-year-old chirped. "Eskil," she paused to point to her twin. "He thought we should step away and … well, find our friend. We don't think he'd fight either."

"Well now, isn't that precious!" Cici exclaimed a little louder for Bella's sake. "What's your friend's name? This big sister and I will be happy to help you find him."

The girl bounced on her feet and beamed. "Cade."

Geko observed with placid disconcern as the students mounted their well executed ambush. From a purely theoretic point, everything was planned superbly however there was one simply factor which the students did not account for and one which the Asylums were well aware off. Experience. On paper a plan can be brilliant but on the field that same plan can be moronic. To challenge a full fledged Asylum is in itself an act of folly very few would contemplate, yet every year you have a few....

With a sigh the Lost Number saw the Asylums retaliate and carnage ensued and then it was all over, quite quickly. His eyes darted across the students measuring the severity of injury, some lay sprawled on the ground, some were trying to tug their legs free from the block of ice while other retreated, limping pathetically.

"At least be men about it lads?" Geko growled as he watched this sad display of the younger generation trying to project their power. "Now I hope we can proceed without someone drop kicking me, oh and I will get back to you for that you little shits...."Geko glared at a specific limping individual while rubbing his chin melodramatically.

With that exercise out of the way, Geko approached the Asylums while stepping over the sprawled students. "I am sorry for that but you know....boys will be...oh...shit." Geko groaned as he turned mid sentence to face a Chinese girl who was walking towards them, leaving her dark corner and yet the darkness seemed to follow her.

"Listen to me Yin, don't cause any more trouble. You have already beaten an Asylum and your position in the final exam is guaranteed.....but that doesn't mean you become a pain in my ass..." He watched her while almost imperceptibly adjusting his stance, getting combat ready.

"I am bored, there is no challenge here!" Yin scoffed as she continued towards the Lost Number at her leisurely pace. "I am exhausted of these lessons and my peers are infuriatingly weak. You told me I would get advanced sparring....sir. Shall we begin?" The girl spoke with all the tone of a petulant child and yet there was something frightening about her aura, the way shadows enveloped her and swayed against her.

"I am getting too old for this..." Geko whined as his alchemic drive ignited only to be dwarfed by that of the student in front of him and just before the two could begin a sudden explosion tremble rocked the ground followed by a miniature explosion.

"Oh thank god..." Geko though out loud before assuming a stern role. "It seems something requires my attention Yin, now hurry back to class before I reconsider your examination!"

The threat seemed enough to diffuse the situation and Yin left with a disappointed huff of exasperation, leaving Geko alone with the Asylums.

"That student is a hands full, I am so glad she is your mess now!" Geko laughed as he clapped Samad on the back. "However I will ever be at service to you my dear," the Lost Number turned to Elsa and gave her his best smile followed by a rather inviting wink, he'd have taken things further but the smoke from the explosion was quite the distraction.

"Could any of you please check that ruckus? I believe it came from the holding cells where we throw students sometimes when they behave unruly. I have to report to my Chrono and as you know.....they don't like being kept waiting....especially mine." Without waiting for the Asylum's response Geko simply vanished.

------------------Xx------xX------------------

"He attacked me!" One of the Asylums standing guard at the holding cell shrieked clutching a bleeding arm while staring at the remains of the wall, which was now just debris.

"Hardly...I mentioned filth like you should feel honored to fetch my food....you grew angry and proceeded to assault me with alchemy.....your alchemic drive failed and your alchemy back fired. Are all of you this sloppy?" The chained man within the cell spoke with casual indifference. His silver tinted spectacles shimmering and his smirk visible even within that dark cell.

"You need to learn your place you fucking rogue, I don't need alchemy for you ilk!" The guard roared as he proceeded to point a pulse rifle at the man lying on the bench behind bars. "You're dead!"

“Sheesh.” Zane muttered in disappointment as he turned to the closest student that was limping away from him. “I put all that energy in to get warmed up and you all can’t even hold on long enough to make the effort worth it.” The man sighed and kicked the student in the back which caused the teen to topple forward. Crouching down towards the teen Zane pointed the blade of his shield at the student’s face and spoke in a harsh tone towards the student. “Even if you are in a losing fight, never show your back to your enemies. Rogues love to pick at any signs of weakness and as an Asylum you must not let your resolve waver in combat.”

Zane felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his partner who carried a concerned look on her face. With a sigh the man stood up and the two Asylums headed towards the others.

’Did you have to be that harsh? He was just a kid.

‘He lost that title the day that he was brought here.’ Zane said as his body started to revert back to its original size. ’There will be plenty of people including you to mentor and encourage them towards graduation but my intention is to give them a taste of the harshness they will come across once they leave.’ The two Asylums stopped as they reached the others. Zane continued as Geko chastised the students. ‘Who knows, this route might lower the casualty rate of the first year Asylums wi—‘

Feeling a sudden shift in the room Zane halted his conversation and instinctively reached towards his back and rested his hand on the hilt of his axe as he watched the interaction between Geko and the girl.

’Do you know who she is?’ Bella said, opening the duo’s telepathic link to Cici as she studied the girl with curiosity. Suddenly the peripheral of Bella’s vision pulsed a light brown and the ground began to shake.

Before the pulse completely disappeared another flash of color, this time a few shades darker than the first color, appeared at the bottom of her vision. Instinct kicked in and with a flick of her wrist two bots the size of a dice buzzed out of her backpack and hovered three feet over the women’s head. A live feed from both cameras appeared in her vision as she quickly searched for any danger surrounding her that might have caused the sound that triggered the flash.

“Distant explosion below. No immediate danger.” Zane said, quickly informing his partner of the source of the noise.

Bella gave a slight nod to her partner and her posture relaxed as she listened to Geko’s request. ...shall we?... The voice from Bella’s glasses said to those around her before the duo started to run towards the source of the explosion.

~•~

”...Argument...bleeding guard… plane prisoner…” Bella informed those that were running with her. Sending her bots ahead of the duo, the woman was able to get a few extra seconds of information before they approached the scene.

”I understand your frustration however why don’t we take a moment to chill before you shoot his face off.” Zane said approaching the guard. ”Think of all the paperwork and the mess you would have to clean if you escalated things.”

---

Elsa monitored Samad from her peripheral vision. He kept the students away from her as she fired away, disabling them with her shock arrows. Every so often her eyes glanced to the other Asylums to check on their progress.

She recognized Belle and finally Cici when the woman decided to reveal herself. When the battle drew to its closing, she relayed Cici's warning to Samad. The Iranian nodded then pulled back. The ice had started to melt and the student's steps hydro planned with each step. Samad used it to his advantage.

He muttered under his breath.

Energy swirled about him and rippled into the water. Before any of the kids could react, their vector had suddenly changed. Instead of their movement forward, they faced the rear and advanced back to where they came from. Confusion crossed their expression, but it was too late.

Cici's siligium went off and ended the conflict promptly. Elsa looked to Samad who shrugged, a mask over the impressive end. She nudged him in the ribs before her attention split off to notice two things. Cici approached two young students who weren't apart of the earlier group. Meanwhile, Geko started to address a girl with Asian ancestry.

Elsa caught the conversation but didn't reply. Once in every so many generation, a student held enough power that beat an Asylum. It didn't mean they could control it some times. Elsa quickly filed the girl's face away for the future.

Samad managed to catch up to her side when Geko whined about the work. It made the Ice Mother wonder why AMRO even bothered to assign old pervert here. The Zero number immediately slapped Samad on the back and drew no response from the Iranian. She could feel her partner roll his eyes mentally when Geko turned his outdated charms on her.

Thankfully, she had been spared a response when a distant explosion sounded. Elsa blinked then watched Geko promptly exit.

"Same old Innocence," Samad commented.

"Would it be right if something didn't blow up at least once a week?"

"No."

Both Asylums took off after Belle and her partner, the small group reached the prison in a short time. Samad stopped and stood at the entrance. She took the lead in socialization but kept within the range of Samad's Alchemy. They didn't know what happened yet as she surveyed the surroundings for information.

"I agree with him. Go outside, take a breather. It will make you feel better." Elsa coaxed in her sweet and calm way. A veiled hint that they could watch the prisoner for a little bit while he collected himself.

Meeting an Angel

Even as the ‘guests’ appeared and interjected on his behalf, the chained man’s smile did not waiver, in fact the only difference was a slight shift to his posture so his face was facing his new friends.

The soldier who had his gun leveled at the prisoner refused to budge or sway, his trigger finger trembling and for a few seconds it seemed he would fire but right at the last moment reason prevailed. He did not want that paperwork and the questioning, it was too much of a hassle to endure for the bum in the cage. Heaving a sigh and finally relaxing his shoulders the stationed guard eased his finger away from the trigger and holstered his weapon. “I need some fresh air, I’ve always hated these gloomy cells. Keep an eye on this one for a bit eh?”

Angel watched the guard leave the small jail compound and as soon as the door shut themselves his gaze fixed upon his new ‘guards’.

“And what brings you fine ladies and gentleman to this luxurious abode of mine?” The man spoke in a self-amused tone while arousing from his sleeping posture to sit atop his wretched bed. His fingers clasped and resting under his chin, the chains on his wrists and legs clanking from his movement.

“Please by all means…..come inside…..make yourselves at home.” The man spoke before chuckling as if finding this entire scenario rather hilarious.

Zane snorted at the man’s invitation and refused to move any closer. “How about instead you tell us why we were asked to come here. You would know better on what brought us here and the events that led to the lovely changes to your decor.” The man said as he nodded towards the damaged wall.

"You are asking me why you were sent here?" Angel replied in a monotone so as to subtly hint at the obvious nature of said question. "Perhaps it was that hole in the wall? As for the event that led to it….well..." He continued, his friendly expression at odd with his stoic tone. "Right before the guard could cast his alchemy I believe I terrified him to a degree where he lost his
composure and…" The man finished his explanation with a flourish of a wrist, pointing at the destroyed wall.

“And why would he cast his alchemy in the first place?” Zane asked, continuing his questions. “I doubt the man would have attacked unless he was provoked especially if the prisoner was barred and chained as you are.” While keeping his gaze on the man Zane brought his focus towards his partner. ‘Stay near the back of the group and have Skylar record our interactions. I don’t trust this prisoner.’

Samad stood nearby, but he remained at the back of the group. His dark eyes studied the prisoner's body language and his restraints. Each small movement and tick jotted down in his head. He shared his notes with his partner while she dealt with the stressed guard.

Are you thinking Samad? Elsa asked mentally to her partner.

She made sure to shut off their conversation from the others.

This whole situation rubbed him wrong. At this point, he didn't bother to dull or stop his alchemy drive. He prepared to react if needed, but only when needed. Worst that happened, it provoked the prisoner, and they discovered something.

I don't like it. The man is completely relaxed despite being in a cell. Difficult to tell if he's being truthful or lying. All we know for a fact is that he was brought in and greeted by a Chronos. Not a common occurrence for a prisoner.

That was strange... Elsa pressed her fingers to her lips in thought and turned to the prisoner.

Upon hearing Zane, she pointed something out. "I find it strange that he would bother. The guards were usually trained well to tune out annoying prisoners and especially against one that is restrained with anti-alchemy measures. I doubt you could do much unless..."

She trailed off not finishing her thought. Her eyes looked to Bella, wondering if she could add to it. There was missing information in here as Samad pointed out. The lack of information about the prisoner left too much to guess when came to this guy’s capabilities. Combat and containment lesson 101: know your target and enemies in order to succeed.

Angel expressions slowly changed from good natured to bored as the questionings continued. He was now sitting leaning his back against the wall so all the Asylums were in his line of sight. "Your interrogation bores me," the chained prisoner replied to Zane's questions. His chained wrists pointing towards Bella and swiftly moving into sign language. [I]Is your partner always this serious and broody?[\i]

Then his attention shifted to the other pair, the Iranian and his partner. As they conversed telepathically Angel merely smiled and allowed them to finish before observing their deductions and reasonings.

"I think we all could….relax as well," the man replied to the group, a smirk on his face. "This was just an incapable soldier losing his nerve and causing a mess. It's nothing to ruin a day over. And there are far greater mysteries here than one simple man in chains." As if on que, Angel's head turned to face the south east wall, almost as if he was seeing through it to a particular destination. "This entire Island resonates with Alchemic energy. It is to be expected, A.M.R.O picked a prime location, ripe with raw Alchemic power. And yet why is there a deadzone here….somewhere. A singular spot which is barren. Now that is a mystery."

Samad looked at Elsa. It was a silent question about the prisoner's sincerity. The blond woman frowned then expanded her alchemy sense and located the abnormal event.

“He’s right.” She stated out loud as her attention focused on that spot.

Not once in all her time did she ever recall a dead zone for alchemy within Innocence. She looked at Samad, his discomfort rippled across their bond. It was obvious they would be checking it out as soon as they were done here.

Excitement flashed across Bella’s face as she saw the man sign to her. It was rare to find someone that could understand sign even with those that knew her. After years of knowing each other, even her partner was limited to knowing fewer than a dozen words in case of an emergency.

‘You understand my language?’ Bella signed back. She knew she should stay alert like the others given who the signer was but Bella was interested in learning more about who the man was. As she thought about what she wanted to ask next Bella’s smile suddenly stopped and her hands dropped to her side. How did the stranger know she was deaf? Up until this point she was certain she didn’t let off any sign that she was different than those that could hear so how would he know that he should sign to her. Lifting up her hands Bella continued to sign but with a bit more caution. ‘The guard called you a rogue but something is off about that. You know too much for a simple rogue. Who are you?’

Angel had keenly observed Elsa try to zone in on the anomaly and confirm it, her inquisitive look giving him enough surety that these two would investigate and save him the trouble of looking into it. "Clever girl" the chained convict replied to Elsa before turning to face Bella and continuing their conversation via sign.

"Yesterday I was a demon, today I am a prisoner, who knows what I will be tomorrow." The convict replied to Bella.

"Alright I've cooled off enough" the guard who had walked off finally returned, the smell of tobacco lingering around him. "You guys should head off and probably get some rest. As instructors you are expected to report to your designated classes." With that the guard sat down on a bench opposite to Angel, a scowl on his face as he observed his yawning prisoner.

---

Samad monitored the prisoners statements and words. Each one a blatant hint that brought them closer to the answers. When the guard entered, he turned his head to acknowledge the man and nodded. His partner gave the guard a grateful smile.

She gave Bella and her partner a gesture to follow them outside where there would be fewer ears. The lack of Alchemy bothered both Samad and her. Until they investigated it, neither could settle into bed for the night.

Elsa watched her partner slip into the lead while she took the task to explain. He already knew where to go because she shared her intelligence with him. She fought the urge to use more alchemy since overuse would drive them insane over time. The less they used over the course of their lifetime, the smaller the wear and tear on their bodies would be.

"So... it turns our prisoner was right. There's a no alchemy zone that direction." She pointed to the direction, her words pronounced enough for Bella to catch.

It had been a while since they interacted and it took a bit for Elsa to recall Bella had been deaf. At least she could correct it now.

"Samad and I are going to check it out, where are you two heading?" Elsa hoped the two would follow them, but Zane's behavior made her decide against asking.

“Don’t try to be a hero if you are pushed to the edge again.” Zane said to the guard as the man sat down. “It’s better to get another person in here than letting things get out of hand.” Seeing Elsa motion for the two to follow Zane followed behind the other duo.

As the trio left Bella quickly signed to the prisoner in response to his comment. She wasn’t sure what brought him to the cell but as long as he was alive there would always be a chance for him to turn towards good. ‘Hopefully tomorrow will be the start to a new path leading towards being a free man.’ The woman gave a slight wave to the guard and prisoner before following her partner out.

Bella watched the text appear in her vision as Elsa shared her observation and plan. “...Together go...” Bella’s glasses said before Zane could respond. She could feel her partner getting ready to decline but Bella knew that it would be important to investigate. If something dangerous was present it would be important to handle the situation quickly or inform the correct personnel of the situation.

“Is it really wise to stick our noses into something we have no part of?” Zane questioned as his shield that he kept up since the fight with the students shrunk down back to the size of a coin and pocketed the weapon. “There’s more than enough people here to keep everything in order. Do you really think we would be the first to notice the anomaly with Tabion and some of the other veterans here?”

“... not matter... we help…” Bella said in response. She could feel that there was something else bothering Zane. Although his physical appearance didn’t give off any sign she could feel a slight wave of worry through their link. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘You know exactly what wrong Little Mouse. Do you really want to push yourself after yesterday?’ Zane questioned as he raised an eyebrow.

‘I’m fine.’ Bella responded with a slight sharpness that could be felt over their link. ‘You promised not to bring it up or let it affect your decisions.’

“Fine. Whatever.” Zane replied with a sigh. “We’ll join you on this field trip.”

Bella gave a small smile in response to Zane’s response before moving one of her bots towards the palm of her hand. She twirled her finger three times at the direction of the bot and with her alchemy had the bot rest a few inches above her hand before turning the bot off “...power off...” Bella said motioning towards the bot. “...no alch energy...bot will fall...”.

---

It appeared Elsa's prediction had been dead on. Zane, unlike Bella, wanted nothing to do with the abnormality in their backyard. This brought a concern to her attention about his reliability. Her eyes shifted to Samad who shrugged, indifferent by the disagreement in the pair. His head turned to the direction of the empty zone as if failing to piece together a puzzle.

His alertness rippled through their bond and caused her to shudder. Elsa never liked it when he became wary. She took a breath to clear her mind.

At Zane's words, Elsa would've agreed if not for one thing. It went under their own radar until the prisoner mentioned it. That was the only reason they found it at all. She decided to point this out.

"I think the reason no one noticed is that they don't know what to look for. If I remember right, it's too far from any of the labs to be one of their experiments." She paused to continue.

"It's worth checking out. Besides, any ambushing students might be gone by the time we're done. I rather do a pointless investigation than fight more students. Wastes less energy." Elsa pointed out.

She hoped the logic might ease Zane's resistance, but it appeared Bella won the argument. Elsa watched Bella switch out her bot for one running on alchemy. Her idea made sense as an early detection system.

With a small smile, Elsa nodded then began to head out with the group.

"Bella, you and your partner stay just outside the emptiness. We'll need you to be able to cover us if we need to rush out. Think you can do that? Also can one of your bots monitor or act like a communication line?"

-THE DEAD ZONE-

Kanon observed his bleak surroundings as his daily patrol commenced. Eight years of battle experience in one of the most distinguished Asylum regiments and they reassigned him to watch grass grow. He casually rubbed at a scar on his cheek, a reminder of his time in Peru where he assassinated a would-be usurper vying for power. Unlike most Asylums, the Wolf Brigade was one that relied least in alchemy. They were trained extensively, almost inhumanely in the arts of weaponry, hand to hand, sabotage, escape artistry etc. They were the only squad that operated in the open; carrying day light assassinations, prison breaks, hostage rescue, kidnapping. You name it. And now one of their prestigious members was smoking a cheap cigar while told to patrol along with four other members of his team.

Kanon's gaze took in his surroundings, there was nothing conspicuous here other than the whole, 'impossible to cast alchemy' bit. His superiors didn't deem him intelligent or trust worthy enough to explain the reasoning behind it, he was a soldier after all and he simply needed to follow orders. That however didn't satiate his curiosity. How did this dead zone come to be? Why is it in a specified area? Why is no one else aware of it? Why is A.M.R.O keeping it under guard?

"There is nothing here..." Kanon spoke to himself as he looked from left to right. It was just one big pasture ground but without the goats. No hills, no point of interest, just flat fertile ground across a perimeter that was roughly a mile in diameter. But he of course knew there was something more. There had been countless times his superiors would show up and dismiss his team and him. They would enter the deadzone and leave without explanation. One thing was for sure, this place made him uncomfortable.

After a quick jog across the perimeter, making sure to greet his squad mates spread across, Kanon finally returned to his point of defense. Mounting his .950 caliber rifle. Strong enough to rip through a tank, your face and probably kill your mother as well.

"Time to get to work Kanon boy," The Asylum spoke to himself as his body grew still and he became the 'Wolf'.

“With their willingness to test and prod anything they can get their grasp on, do you honestly think all the testing they do at Innocence is tucked away in the labs?” Zane muttered in response to Elsa before starting to walk towards their destination without waiting for Elsa to respond. He was certain that this investigation would be more time consuming than any students that still might be lingering around for a fight but he was willing to stick it out for Bella’s sake.

Bella nodded in response to Elsa’s question as second of the two dice sized bots altered its course towards Bella’s backpack. Another bot the size of a softball emerged from Bella’s backpack and flew besides Elsa. “...like phone...talk and listen…” a voice similar to Bella’s glasses said from the bot. Bella’s eyes darted back and forth as she navigated through her controls for her bot from yer glasses. Happy with the changes that she made, Bella gave a small smile before refocusing on Elsa. “...emergency override...sign stop...noise muted...” Bella said as she demonstrated the sign for stop by making a chopping motion with her right hand into her left palm. “... sign enemy...bot armed...” Bella continued as she demonstrated the sign for enemy. She wasn’t sure what would happen once they reached their destination but to ensure that the other team was protected she was happy to make the temporary authorization changes.

~•~

Bella’s alchemy powered bot whizzed ahead of the group as they headed towards their destination as the duo watched the bot carefully for any sign of its flight being disrupted. Up until this point the bot flew smoothly as it stayed at the exact height from the ground.

Bella could feel herself losing grip the bot before the bot reacted to the Alchemic Energy starting to diminish by bobbing down a few inches before returning to its previous height. Bella stopped walking and halted the bot in mid air. She watched the bot as it wobbled up and down a few inches even when she was putting effort into stabilizing the bot.

“That’s the first time it has wobbled. Bella, I’m guessing you used the least amount of alchemy to move it so it’s probably very sensitive to any shift in Alchemic Energy.” Zane said which Bella confirmed with a nod. “We’re barely brushing against the edge of this anomaly but the source should be close. I’m guessing our target is down the next hallway or two.”

---

Elsa focused on Bella, her ears deafened to Zane’s counterpoints. The man’s tone and attitude made it clear he held little value in foresight. She wondered if the pair never had a preventable encounter or just had straight forward goals in missions. As she shrugged off the thought, her eyes shifted from Bella to Samad. In an expected fashion, her partner went into his stalking mode. He kept his hands closer to his hip and strolled toward the front. Every few steps, his head casually swept the location.

Well, remind me not to call Zane for help. Samad’s thick accent rippled across her attention.

She inhaled and considered what to say. However, her partner knew her well. He snipped in another comment before she could.

Don’t pretend you didn’t notice the aloof and lazy attitude. If it wasn’t for your friend, he wouldn’t have bothered. Not my first choice for dependable back up.

Elsa mentally sighed.

He’s still capable within a fight. You saw well they worked together. Not all linked pairs are identical in work ethics. We’ve worked with some oddball pairs and their first impressions were far worse.

Maybe, but he will not be my first choice.

She rolled her eyes gently at his decision, but he hoped his opinion would change. Samad took first impressions far too seriously, and she knew it wasn’t a good trait. Judgment was best done over a series of interactions, not dominated by a single one.

When they finally reached their destination, Elsa had memorized the signs Bella showed her. Both her partner and herself watched the bot dip then struggle to rise. A clear indication of the alchemy absence location according to Bella.

“Yeah, it does. Why would an area effect to negate alchemy be out in the open and where anyone could stumble across it?” Elsa thought out loud.

Aside from the distant students locked in an extreme physical education class, she saw no one around. She expected a guard or someone babysitting the location. Especially in an area filled with troublesome students.

Samad took charge next. “All right, this is where you two stay. Elsa and I will be right back. We’re only looking around for an hour.”

He gestured for Elsa to follow them as the two parted from the group.

Kanon's team had spotted the group of Asylums before they had stepped foot inside the deadzone. This was a strange predicament, the Asylum thought as he mulled over what to do. If it was a bunch of exploring students, that would make sense. Why are a group of Asylums making their way to the deadzone and based on their route, its almost as if they are doing so consciously. This trail of thought posed a problem.

"Is it one of the researchers?" Kanon thought to himself before shaking his head as if to answer his own question. Whenever a research team came they made sure to alert Kanon and his team along with strict instructions to leave the site. These unannounced Asylums were an unknown variable. He had little to no idea what was going on or what exactly he was defending, unlike his previous missions here he received no intel or information and was simply instructed to defend with discretion. "How the hell do I do that?" Kanon grunted as he finally stood and took the path that would place him right in front of the unknown Asylums with his team flanking them at each side.

It didn't take long for them to do exactly that. Kanon didn't make any attempts at an assault or any form of intimidation strategy, instead he simply waved at the group of unknowns, letting them see he wasn't wielding a weapon along with the roman numerical on his forearm that authenticated his status as an Asylum.

"Hello there, nice weather we are having here. One might say this is the perfect 'take a stroll in the park' weather! The name is Kanon." The Asylum greeted them, extending his hand to clasp it with the others. In terms of appearance Kanon wasn't anything special, in fact he was painfully average in almost every regard. The type that would blend in and be invisible to others, the perfect assassin who walks in daylight.

"I hate to be blunt but you see I have a rather important question, why are you here?" The man replied, not a hint of aggression or violence in his tone, just a simple question. All the while his team had already camped at every exit point, making retreat impossible if Kanon deems these Asylums....a threat.

Bella gave a nod to Samad as he instructed her and Zane to stay. She was curious about what was causing the dead zone and wanted to see the cause of the disturbance for herself but with as much trouble Zane had already brought to their investigation she was hesitant about speaking up. As Bella gave a small wave to the other duo she noticed another person approach the group. Bella’s gaze darted between the man and the others and he introduced himself. Bella stayed quiet as he questioned them, uncertain how to handle the talking side of this situation. Did the man know why they were here? Was he a threat to the team? Would he even be patient enough to listen if she tried to speak? The thoughts were spinning around in Bella’s head as she heard her partner speak up.

“I’m here because the other three are too antsy to take it easy after being ambushed by students and sent to guard duty.” Zane said as he gave a slight wave towards Samad and Elsa. “What’s your story Kanon? What brought you out here?” Zane said as he placed a hand on Bella’s shoulder and spoke through his telepathic link to his partner. ’Focus Bella and assess the situation. You are the eyes of the group. I can focus on defending if needed but we need your intel.

Samad tensed at both Zane's and Kanon's replies. Elsa reached a small hand out then touched him, a soothing effect that immediately took hold. He forced himself to relax. If AMRO didn't want them in certain places, it should've been touched on before their arrival. Naturally anything outside of the norm stirred some asylums' paranoia. Especially those usually assigned dangerous missions where details mattered. Elsa and Samad fit in that category.

Let's see what Zane does...

Her partner didn't answer. For a moment, Elsa looked confused then it dawned on her. They were in a dead zone. It proved the area negated all alchemy within this area. Her concern grew because it left Samad and her helpless, save for their physical skills. Unfortunately, a human had their limits.

At the man's gesture, she jerked her head for them to follow. Samad immediately caught the gesture and subtly nodded. They began to walk back until they were over the other side of the line once more.

Elsa let a small breath escape her lips when she once more felt a presence in her mind.

That was unpleasant. It seems Zane's at least determined to ease the tension, though his methods aren't exactly ideal. Her eyes met Zane's for a moment, indicating she would step in when he wanted her to. At this point, she saw no reason to interrupt.

I agree on both accounts.

They stood on the outside of the conversation while still being involved.

Despite Zane's rather strange ice breaking conversation, Kanon maintained a cheery deposition. He merely nodded at Zane's explanation as he continued to approach the four Asylums who had now backed out of the boundary line.

"Well believe it or not I am supposed to be guarding this fine piece of land," the Asylum spread his arms and gestured at the pasture field of nothingness. "There is nothing to hide really. You see I am part of the Wolf Brigade or the Howlers. You may have heard of our specialized task force. We carry our missions in the open, our actions used to make a statement to the wider public. Of course due to the nature of our missions we rarely rely on alchemy." The Howler explained as he casually strolled near the borderline. His steps falling still within the deadzone as if silently signifying how little it bothers him.

Elsa casually hooked her fingers into her pants pockets as she continued to observe. She remained near Samad, her head fixed on the two men locked in conversation. Neither of the linked pair relaxed despite their appearance. Samad arched an eyebrow at the mention of Zanon guarding the open field.

Then why is someone of your status guarding an empty field? Samad's voice shot the question at Elsa.

Reminding you of Istanbul, doesn't it?

Yes.I don’t like it. Samad grumbled as he shifted to the background while Kanon paced along the deadzone's edge.

"Now it's my turn for the questions and I do hope you are as honest." The Howler's tone changed pitch, dropping just enough to let the group know he was serious. A few other silhouettes appeared around the weary Asylum group, all of them maintaining a large distance but cutting off any exit.

"You did not come here due to a simple stroll. Your path was calculated. Your reaction to seeing me was weary if not expected. You knew about the dead zone beforehand and traced it else you wouldn't be as calm when you first stepped across the boundary." Kanon calmly explained what he believed was true based on observation and guess work.

"Now here is where you need to help me out. How did you manage to trace this place, it should have been a needle in a stupidly massive hay stack."

Kanon raised a finger as he asked his first question.

"Why did you come to this place? You seem to know it renders alchemy null so what was your intention?"

Kanon raised a second finger as he asked the following question.

"Who are you working for? This to me looks like an observation party sent to steal intellectual information."

Kanon raised a third finger while his spare hand drew his revolver at blinding speed, having it leveled with Samad's head.

"If any of you so much as consider using alchemy, we will have you bombarded into oblivion. Nine against four are not odds you want to take, especially not on our terrain. So please cooperate. Thanks bunches."

At the gun at his head, Samad tensed on impulse. Elsa’s eyes just barely caught the movement as she heard Kanon's warning and her blood iced.

With a few blinks of her eyes Bella switched her peripherals to thermal imaging as the man started to question the group and scanned the surrounding area. ’He’s right about not being alone. I’ll monitor for any movement.’ Bella said through her telepathic link to Zane while giving a slight nod towards Elsa and Samad.

’Success of Skylar blocking the bullet? Zane questioned as raised up his hands to show he was currently empty handed. “You might not like our answers but I’m willing to talk.”

’Three percent. Maybe five if I let it defend on its own.’ Bella said as she glanced at the bot that hovered between the other duo. ’If we don’t care about injury and factor in the fact that the bot might explode if attacked, our odds would be better.’

As Zane and Bella talked with each other, Elsa opened up a channel for all four of them. A small ‘alert’ would’ve pinged through the other two Asylum’s minds and allowed them access when they tuned in. Samad spoke first.

If a fight breaks out, I can slow down the bullets. Then transfer the speed to one of you or Elsa, who can raise a wall of ice to buffer the other attacks. However, we need to be careful. We’re on the edge of the dead zone and they will use it to their advantage.

Elsa mentally sighed then added. Which we wouldn’t have known if the prisoner didn’t mention it. So many questions are running through my mind, but we have very little time. I prefer we avoid a fight if we can and be ready if they don’t feel the same way.

’Transfer the speed first to Elsa and secondary to Bella. Zane chimed in as he thought through his options. She can immediately focus on defense and then pivot to a ranged attack but will need Elsa to block any incoming attacks. I can keep Kanon busy along with anyone else that might charge in.

Sounds like a plan. We won’t interrupt unless you need or want us to, Elsa stated then added, Also, control the flow of information and not give him too much. We have no idea how he’ll react or what he might do with too many details.

Taking a step forward Zane placed himself between the man and Bella. He thought over Elsa’s comment but decided to shrug it off. Zane agreed that too much information could be problematic but giving too little to someone who thinks that they are working for their enemy could lead to a bullet through one of their skulls. If he appears to be too cautious it could be perceived as him lying or hiding something. Deciding to stick with what he knew best, Zane decided to go with the blunt honesty. “I’m not sure what secrets you are hiding and honestly I don’t really care but someone must be slipping up if we heard rumors about a zone without alchemic energy from a prisoner that just arrived today.” Zane took another slow step towards the man and glanced at the gun. “We can tell you more about this man but could you first lower that? We’re willing to cooperate but let’s do a bit of give and take here.”

Kanon couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and then laugh, a small outburst before regaining his composure. “You heard about this place from a prisoner? He heard it from a prisoner, isn’t that fantastic?” The man stared at the direction of one of his hidden comrades, his arms flinging in the air in sheer frustration before cocking the gun’s safety back on.

“Listen to me…..freshie,” The Howler scoffed as he walked out of the boundary line so as to restructure the soil into a crude stool to sit on. “A secret is best kept when you don’t try hard in keeping it a secret. And that has worked….so far.” Kanon continued, though his tone had become slightly on edge. “I am not told much about what goes on here, what I know is it is some form of an experimental technology that can completely nullify alchemy. Can you fucking imagine……” His voice had sobered now, taken a hushed tone, a scared tone.

“What makes this a precarious situation is that even certain Chronos are unaware of this and that means it is an independent project and that means someone is vying for power. You do not want to get in between a power struggle among titans. I have no choice, my team and I are locked in this. I don’t want my team to suffer, you understand. They are good, loyal people.” As Kanon spoke his finger subconsciously played with the safety mechanism on his gun.

“I have verified what you say to be true but now we have a problem. If I report this to my superiors, well….I’m fucked….you’re fucked…..and this prisoner is fucked. If I don’t report this and this prisoner ends up some Chrono spy, well then…..I’m fucked…..you’re fucked…..and he is fucked.” The Asylum couldn’t help but massage his temples,wondering how he got into this bullshit.

“Now here is what I suggest. I don’t report this to my superiors and you four locate that prisoner and find out his intentions, but do it discreetly. First focus on your tasks here at the Island and figure out who this person is and what he wants. If he is an enemy, we assassinate him quietly, if he is not…..we assassinate him quietly?” Kanon shrugged as he finished his planning. “Oh or I kill you all here and then kill that prisoner, your call, no pressure.”

Zane looked towards Bella with a shrug as if waiting for her approval. As he did so he continued the telepathic conversation with the other three. If I don’t hear any objections in the next two seconds I’m going for it.

So much for keeping to minimal details. Samad’s irritated voice commented, but became silent when his partner jumped in.

Considering we have no choice, we’re going to have to agree. Some details slipped by him, but not everything. Oh and Zane, if this goes sideways... I will personally encase you in ice for three days straight. Elsa’s threat wasn’t life threatening for Zane, but the inconvenience would’ve ensured he would remember it.

Zane gave a slight shrug to Elsa’s comment and after receiving a nod from Bella, Zane turned back to Kanon. “As long as the we you mention is the Howlers assassinating the prisoner you have a deal.” Extending out his hand towards the man, Zane offered his hand for Kanon to shake. “Handling a man in chains that doesn't have a way to defend themself would be simple if your team is as good as you say they are.”

Silence stretched out before them for a few uncomfortable seconds before Kanon signalled with a hand gesture and the team that had surrounded the Asylums vanished.

"Excellent!" Kanon spoke while clapping his hand. "Now we will continue to monitor the deadzone and pretend none of you ever came here. You guys simply figure out the deal with this 'prisoner'. Once we know what we are up against we will move against the target." With that said Kanon walked back in the deadzone, lost to sight, hidden in darkness.

---

Class: Physical Fitness Training
Location: Gymnasium
Time: Morning

Samad's eyes checked the glowing rune on the gymnasium floor. An intricate pattern burned into the floor and coated by specialized lamination. He shifted his eyes above him to note the twenty students who scaled upward. Their goal had been to ring a bell at the top before the wind picked up again. As if on cue, a female student paused at the top and reached for the string. Before she rang it, the industrial, high tech fans automatically triggered.

The student shrieked then clung to her rope. It wiggled and thrashed about like some living thing. More protesting yells joined the first as others were battered about. A few lost their grip then began to free fall downward.

As if expecting it, Samad's alchemy immediately activated. Their fall slowed before they smacked hard into the floor the last foot above it. Meanwhile, those still in the challenge rose to meet it. Some used alchemy to redirect the wind while others just strengthen their grip. After about a minute, the fans died and they continued to climb upward.

Silently, he continued to observe them. His arms crossed over his chest, his feet paced like a restless tiger.

Samad, checking in. You feel rather restless, is everything all right? Did some more students try to attack you again?

He smirked then replied. No. I believe the last batch are still stuck in a speed trap so they are a bit wary of me.

How slow?

It took them a good hour to raise their foot. By now, the effects likely wore off. It still remained to be a lesson to them as they hurriedly to their next class. Some alchemist were more feared than others when a student was late.

Samad fought not to laugh when Elsa mentally face palmed in their link.

At least I didn't do what Zane did. He then added.

Fair.

Again the fans activated and kicked up a level. The highest students immediately slipped down a few feet, their hands rubbed raw from the hemp rope.

How is your class going? He preferred the conversation to babysitting.

It's fun to see the boys shift uncomfortably when you show them how to treat a girl. The girls are more giggling.

He groaned under his breath as he slowed another student's failure. His eyes shifted to check the line and all them stood patiently waiting for their teammates to make it. Some even cheered them on until a look from him silenced them.

So, we still meeting Bella and Zane for lunch?

If they show. Samad replied in a calm tone.

They will. Meet you there.

Samad let out a soft huff and continued to focus on the lesson.

“Solid block.” Zane pulled back his fist and gave a slight nod towards the student. Seeing the student relax her posture, the man gave a kick that knocked her back onto her butt. “Don’t hesitate on a follow up attack.” Zane said, his tone of pleasure turning more harsh. “You will get stuck in an endless cycle of defense if you give your opponent a chance to continue attacking. Even if you are a star defender there will be a point that you slip up. A slip up will mean injury to yourself or to those that depend on you... if you’re lucky.”

Sensing another student charging towards him, Zane turned around and brought his shield up to block the student’s sparring sword. Instead of hitting the shield, the hilt of the sword glowed and the sword quickly darted off to the side and landed a hit on his shoulder. With a sigh Zane returned the hit with a punch to the student’s stomach which caused the boy to drop the sword as the wind was knocked out of him followed by a hard kick that caused the boy to roll out of the sparring ring. “I said no alchemy!” Zane yelled at the student and gave a sigh before lowering his voice and turned the conversation to the rest of the students. “Or like I said earlier if you can use it discreetly, I’ll give you a pass.” Looking slowly at the students around the sparring ring Zane stopped at one of the teens that was mumbling an incantation and glared at the boy. “If I catch you using that I will not hold back.”

Three students charged in on Zane but before they reached him a bell chimed, signaling the end of class. “Unfortunately, none of you were able to knock me over so we won’t be able to play hooky for my next session.” Zane said with a defeated sigh. “There will be repercussions due to the extra work so those that are injured better get healed up before then.”

With a slight wave Zane walked out the door and saw that Bella was waiting for him. “Did everything go according to plan? You got here pretty quickly Miss. Mouse.” Zane said as he looked at Bella thoroughly to see if there was any sign of injury.

“... Part one good…” Bella said through her glasses as she gave an audible sigh. “... tricky second…” Bella continued as she shifted uncomfortably while averting her gaze. Were our peers as unruly as these students?.

Probably? Other than you and a select few I didn’t get involved with the other students so I didn’t spend much of my time and energy on the troublemakers. Walking down the hall the two walked towards the cafeteria. There were a few students that tried to get the duo’s attention as they walked but after receiving a glare from Zane, they backed off from engaging in a conversation with the duo. It’s not a comfortable thing to do but if you want to keep the class in order you will need to be firmer with them. Channel in a bit of Zane energy when the troublemakers cause a disturbance.

You make it sound easy. Bella said with a sigh as the two entered the busy cafeteria. Scanning the room Bella couldn’t see Samad or Elsa at the tables. If you want to grab our lunch I can go save a seat for the four of us.

Heading towards the far side of the cafeteria, Bella found a seat alongside the wall. She watched the students around her mingle with each other. Although it hasn’t been long since she was last eating at the same tables as a student it was different compared to the past. Just sitting where she was would have been hard for her past self. Just keep channeling Zane energy.