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FPE: Home season 1

Summary:

" It exists an etablishment, out of any sight of the world, called the Paper School Orphanage which the staff protects the orphans from the outside world... but sometimes from the secrets of the inside. For all new orphans, Welcome Home. "

Notes:

This serves as an AU to the OG Fundamental Paper Education where the Paper School is at the same time a private school and an orphanage where lives and protects the orphans / students from the outside world and the secrets inside the building.

Chapter 1: The missing one

Chapter Text

" There exist a place, an isolate place called Paper School Orphanage where orphans and students call it Home. The staff of this place works to make sure they feel safe and protected from the dangers of the outside world but also from the hidden secrets of the inside of this place. "

 

( Pedro is playing hide and seek with my friends in the hallways of the school / orphanage )

Pedro: "10... 9.... 8...."

( The hallways are completely silent... )

Pedro: "4... 3.. 2... 1.... 0... Here I come !"

( He then looks and after a while, He hears a sneezing and I saw Abbie and Lana falling from their shelter )

Pedro: "Found you, hehe."

( Abbie and Lana pout and then they cross their arms, looking at him disappointedly )

Lana: "Dang it! You find us in like 5 seconds... no fair!"

( Abbie just nods, agreeing with Lana )

Abbie: "How do you find us so fast every single time, dude? It's just impossible! "

Pedro: "Well, you sneezed and fall from your shelter. What can I say ?"

Lana: "Dang, good point... I can't believe I sneezed, ugh!"

Abbie: "Yeah, that was pretty loud... no wonder you found us immediately. You sure have good ears, dude."

( a while after, he saw Bubble's tail depassing her hiding spot )

Pedro: "Found you, Bubble. I saw your tail."

( Bubble groans, annoyed that Pedro found her. )

Bubble: "Darn it! My tail always betrays me in hiding spots, ugh!"

Pedro: "But to be fair, despite that, you found a way better hiding spot than last time."

( Bubble lets out a small smile at that comment, appreciating the compliment. )

Bubble: "Yeah, maybe I did a bit better this time. But man, you still find me quickly, every single time. It's like you have a built-in radar for finding us, dude!"

( Pedro continues searching but seeing he can't find his two other friends )

Pedro: "Okay... Engel, Claire, you can show yourselves. You win this time."

( Engel and Claire emerge from their hiding spots, looking a bit surprised that Pedro had given up searching. )

Engel: "Heh, we finally managed to evade your super-finding skills this time, huh?"

Claire: "Yeah, our hiding spots were pretty good, even you couldn't find us. Maybe you're losing your touch, Pedro!"

Pedro: "Eh, or maybe you found a hiding spot I didn't noticed yet in this place."

( Engel and Claire exchanged looks of triumph and smirked at you. )

Engel: "Heh, I think it's the second option. Maybe our spots were just too good for you this time."

Claire: "We finally outsmarted you in hide and seek. It's a miracle!"

( They both high-fived, feeling pretty proud of themselves. )

( later, the six of them are walking on the hallways )

Pedro: "I hear that tomorrow, the new principal will be chosen. For me, I think Miss Grace will be the right choice. Knowing how she treat us all as a educator."

( Engel and Claire nodded in agreement. )

Engel: "Yeah, Miss Grace definitely deserves to be the principal. She's always been there for us and supports us through everything."

Claire: "Exactly, she's one of the nicest and most caring persons here. She really takes care of us all. I think she'd make an amazing principal."

( Bubble and Lana nodded in agreement as well. )

Lana: "Miss Grace is totally the best person for the role. She's always been like a mom to us, even when we screw up."

Bubble: "Yeah, she's always there for us when we need her. And she's got that motherly vibe that makes everyone feel safe and comfortable. She should totally be the new principal, no doubt about it."

( Abbie was deep in thought for a moment before responding. )

Abbie: "I think Miss Grace would make a great principal too. She really cares about us and knows how to handle tough situations. Plus, she's got a lot of experience dealing with all of our nonsense, so she already has that principal vibe going for her."

( Abbie chuckled, imagining Miss Grace as the school's new principal. )

Abbie: "Imagine Miss Grace with a principal's hat and gown. That'd be pretty cool, huh?"

Pedro: "Yeah, let's hope it's not Miss Scissors again. I hear really bad things about her."

( Everyone shuddered at the mention of Miss Scissors. )

Lana: "Ugh, no way. She'd be a disaster as principal."

Bubble: "Yeah, she's way too unhinged and unstable. Can you imagine her in charge of the entire school? It'd be chaos."

Engel: "I bet she'd make up all sorts of crazy rules and punishments just for the heck of it. Yikes."

Pedro: "Well, at least it's not like I'm bumping on everyo... ( he bumped against Miss Scissors from all people ) Oof. ( he fall on the ground )"

( Everyone gasped as Pedro accidentally bumped into Miss Scissors, the notoriously unstable teacher. She turned to face him, her sharp eyes narrowing as she looked down at him on the floor. )

Miss Scissors: "Watch where you're going, you clumsy kid!"

( She crossed her arms, glaring at you with her usual intense expression. )

Pedro: "Uh... Sorry... ( she left by mumbling " Stupid children " )"

( Everyone let out a collective sigh of relief as Miss Scissors stormed away, muttering to herself. Bubble shook her head and helped Pedro up. )

Bubble: "Dang dude, you gotta watch where you're going. You just bumped into one of the most dangerous teachers here."

Lana ( rolled her eyes ): "Seriously, talk about bad timing. Miss Scissors was definitely not in a good mood today."

Pedro ( thinking about it ): "Say, Engel. You think that she's like that because of a history with a student or something ?"

( Engel thought about his question for a moment. )

Engel: "Hmm, it's possible. Miss Scissors does seem to have some serious anger issues, and I've heard rumors about her having some bad experiences with students in the past. It could explain why she's so volatile and hostile all the time."

Bubble ( interjected ): "Yeah, I've heard those rumors too. Apparently, she had some kind of incident with a student a while back that really messed her up. I wonder what happened."

Pedro: "She's even rude with Mister Hyde, the librarian of the school. I mean, why did he deserved that ? He's a cool dude."

( Engel nodded in agreement. )

Engel: "Yeah, I've noticed that too. Miss Scissors is constantly berating and belittling Mister Hyde. I can't understand why she hates him so much. He's just the librarian, and he's always so nice to everyone."

Claire ( chimed in ): "Maybe she's just jealous because Mister Hyde is so popular with the students. He's like everyone's favorite person."

Abbie ( added ): "Or maybe she's just being her usual grumpy and mean self. Who knows with her."

( Miss Grace, at the time as an educator, arrived and approached the group with a warm smile on her face, noticing that Pedro looked a bit shaken from his encounter with Miss Scissors. )

Miss Grace: "Is everything alright, Pedro? I saw you accidentally bumping into Miss Scissors earlier. Are you okay?"

Pedro: "I'm okay. Still, I can't believe she's always that.. Grumpy."

( Miss Grace sighed, her expression turning a little sympathetic. )

Miss Grace: "Yes, Miss Scissors has always been... difficult, to say the least. She has a lot of anger and resentment built up inside her, and it unfortunately comes out in her interactions with others. It's not an excuse for her behavior, of course, but it does provide some context."

Lana ( rolled her eyes ): "She really needs some serious anger management classes. Or maybe a whole personality transplant."

Abbie: "But... Uh... Is Miss Scissors like that because of an old incident or something ?"

( Miss Grace nodded, her expression turning a little solemn. )

Miss Grace: "That's a possibility. As I mentioned before, Miss Scissors did have some experiences with a student many years ago. It really affected her, and it seems to have caused her to develop this volatile and unpredictable personality."

Engel ( spoke up, asking with a hint of curiosity ): "Do you know what exactly happened with that student, Miss Grace ?"

Miss Grace: "You're sure you want to know, the six of you ?"

( Everyone nodded in unison, their curiosity piqued. )

Bubble ( spoke up ): "Yeah, we want to know. It might help us understand Miss Scissors better."

Miss Grace: "Follow me then."

( The six of them exchange glances before following Miss Grace, wondering what story she would tell them. The atmosphere becomes tense, but curiosity fuels their steps. )

( after we all enter, Miss Grace close the door of the classroom )

Miss Grace: "Now then, I can explain."

( The room becomes quiet as everyone waits eagerly for Miss Grace to start her story. Engel leans closer, intrigued, while Lana fidgets with the end of her ponytail, also listening intently. )

( Abbie is hiding behind Lana )

Pedro: "Abbie, seriously ?"

( Lana chuckles, patting Abbie's head gently. )

Lana: "It's okay, Abbie. Nothing to be scared of."

Bubble ( rolls her eyes, a small smirk on her face. ): "Yeah, no need to be so jumpy, Abbie. Miss Grace isn't gonna bite."

Miss Grace: "Did you heard about a student called Victoria Circlemoon ?"

( Everyone nodded, recognizing the name. )

Bubble: "Yeah, we've heard her name before. Wasn't she a really gifted student?"

Engel ( added ): "I heard rumors about her being a straight-A student and super smart, but also really quiet."

Lana ( chimed in ): "And apparently, she disappeared without a trace a long time ago, right?"

Miss Grace: "Sadly it's only the visible part of the iceberg."

( Everyone looked at Miss Grace curiously, their intrigue growing with each revelation. )

Abbie: "What do you mean by that?"

Claire: "Is there more to the story about Victoria than what we know?"

( Bubble leaned forward, clearly invested in the story. )

Miss Grace: "She may have been a good student but she wasn't popular with the other students and she had a really rough time in her home. She was hated by her mother despite her father's efforts to cheer her up."

( A collective gasp filled the room as the group absorbed this new information. Engel's eyebrows furrowed in concern while Lana's grip tightened on her ponytail. )

Engel: "That's awful. No one deserves to be treated like that, especially not a child."

Lana: "Her mother sounds really cruel. Poor Victoria..."

Bubble ( her eyes widened, sympathy evident in her voice. ): "No wonder she was so quiet and reserved."

Pedro: "But Miss Grace,... Did she had... Miss Scissors as teacher and if yes, what was her class ?"

( Miss Grace nodded solemnly, her expression growing sadder. )

Miss Grace: "Yes, Victoria did have Miss Scissors as a teacher. And her class... it was Home Economics."

Abbie: "Uh ? Isn't it normaly for grown ups this kind of things ?"

( Miss Grace shook her head, a small sigh escaping her lips. )

Miss Grace: "Usually, yes. But in the case of Victoria, it was... different."

Lana ( tilted her head slightly, a look of confusion on her face.): "Different... how?"

Miss Grace: "Miss Scissors wanted to force Victoria in that studies while Victoria was more focused for her love passion as a studies: Mathematics."

( Everyone's jaws nearly dropped as they heard this. )

Engel: "Wait, seriously? Miss Scissors tried to force Victoria into Home Economics instead of letting her pursue her passion for math?"

Bubble ( scoffed, a look of disbelief on her face. ): "That's messed up. Victoria should've been allowed to pursue her interest."

Miss Grace: "At the time, I was a young student with my friends at the time, Sasha, Demi and Emily. Nowadays, Emily is making trips for her studies for History class, Mister Demi is learning from his passion: Music and Sasha is for the moment learning to be a kindergarten teacher."

( Lana leaned forward, fascinated by the unfolding story. )

Lana: "Wow, it's kind of amazing that all of you were classmates at one point."

Bubble ( nodded, a smirk on her face. ) "And look at you now, miss educator."

Engel ( chuckled lightly, unable to resist joining in. ): "Sounds like you four had quite the little friend group back then."

Miss Grace: "We can say that. Anyway, me and my friends tried to cheer her up but we saw something on Victoria's left arm. It's like it's crooked. We end up notice why: when she didn't reach the expectations from either her Mother or Miss Scissors, they were aiming her left arm, which was her most used arm, as punishment."

( Everyone in the room fell silent, their shock palpable. Lana's eyes widened in disbelief while Engel's expression twisted into a mixture of horror and anger. )

Lana: "That's horrible... They were physically hurting her to get what they wanted? That's completely messed up!"

Claire ( visibly upset, clenching her fist tightly. ): "I can't believe they would do something like that... and to a child, no less."

Miss Grace: "At the time, she had only one friend, Bloomie, but sadly, her family moved away. Still today, I still don't know what she's doing right now."

( A moment of silence fell over the group as they processed the heart-breaking story. )

Engel: "So Victoria was struggling with her home situation, had a difficult teacher, lost her close friend, and was being physically hurt... That's a lot for any kid."

Lana ( nodded in agreement, a mix of anger and sadness in her voice. ) "It's no wonder she was so quiet and withdrawn... She must have felt so alone."

Miss Grace: "But one day, during Miss Scissors's class, Victoria snapped because of all this abuse and litteraly throw a compass on Miss Scissors's face, making her two scars. And it went downhill. Miss Scissors drag Victoria Circlemoon and locked her in the room, which is now off-limits."

( The group listened in stunned silence, their eyes wide. )

Claire: "Did... Did Miss Scissors lock Victoria up in that room? Like, without food or water or anything?"

Abbie ( looked equally shocked, barely able to speak.): "That's just... inhumane... How long was she in there for...?"

Miss Grace: "Two entire months. She was only out of the room so she could return home but that's it. At first, the only sounds we heard from her in that room were sobs but when time passes, their sobs became laughs, becoming more crazed and unstable. She was losing her sanity."

( Everyone's faces paled at this revelation. The thought of a girl losing her sanity after being locked away for two months was almost too much to bear. )

Bubble ( rubbed her arms, a sense of unease settling over her.) "That... That must have been unbearable. No wonder she was never the same after all of that."

Engel ( his expression was grave. ): "It's like she was broken, mentally and emotionally."

Pedro: "But.... What was the aftermath of it ?"

( Miss Grace sighs, knowing that one day, when Victoria was sent again in the room, when they open the door, she was missing. Like if she disappeared from existence )

( Everyone held their breath as Miss Grace took a deep breath, preparing herself to continue with the final part of the story. )

Miss Grace: "The aftermath was... difficult. Victoria had already endured so much, and then she just... disappeared. It was like she vanished into thin air."

Engel ( eyes widened in disbelief.): "Vanished? Like... she just disappeared without a trace?"

Pedro: "So that means that even today, we don't know where she is or what she's doing right now ?"

( Miss Grace nodded sadly, a mix of worry and regret etched into her features.)

Miss Grace: "Unfortunately, yes. Despite our efforts, we never found any trace of Victoria after she disappeared. It's like she dropped off the face of the earth..."

Lana ( bit her lip, a feeling of helplessness washing over her.): "It's just not right. After everything she suffered through, she deserved better than to just... disappear."

Pedro: "Because Bloomie , I could understand why we didn't hear from her after her and her family left but... Victoria Circlemoon ? It's almost like one of those urban legends, this aftermath."

( Engel nodded, their expression solemn.)

Engel: "Yeah... it's like her story is straight out of a horror movie. No closure, no answers... just a lot of confusion and unanswered questions."

Bubble ( looked troubled, her brow furrowing in concern.) "It's hard to wrap my head around. I mean, how does someone just disappear like that?"

Miss Grace: "Believe me, I've asked myself that same question many times over the years. And unfortunately, there's still no answer."

Lana ( let out a sigh.): "It feels like we failed her, you know? Even though we tried our best to help, she still ended up disappearing and we never found her."

Engel ( nodded in agreement, a hint of guilt in his voice.) "Yeah, we did try... but sometimes, trying isn't enough. Sometimes, bad things just happen and there's nothing we can do to change it."

Pedro: "Still, Miss Grace... Not too much nervousness about who's gonna be the next principal of this school orphanage ?"

( Miss Grace chuckled softly, the tension in the air lightening somewhat.)

Miss Grace: "Oh, you noticed my slight case of nerves. Yes, I must admit that the thought of who will be the new principal has been weighing on me a bit."

Claire ( raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her face. ) "Nervous? You? Miss Grace, the most collected person here? Say it ain't so."

Abbie: "Uh... Well... We all expect you to be the;.. New principal... We don't to have Miss Scissors in that post..."

( Miss Grace's expression softened, touched by Abbie'd words. She gently ruffled the petite girl's hair affectionately.)

Miss Grace: "That's very sweet of you to say, Abbie. I appreciate your support. And I assure you, none of us want Miss Scissors as the new principal either. She's not exactly... well-suited for the role, let's put it mildly."

Pedro: "Even as a teacher, if you ask me."

( his friends agreed )

( Miss Grace couldn't resists smiling slightly. )

Miss Grace: "I have to agree with you there. Miss Scissors isn't exactly what most people would call an ideal teacher, that's for sure."

Lana added with a small scoff. "More like a nightmare teacher, if you ask me."

( we hear the bell rings as it announce to Miss Grace to go in the principal's office )

( Miss Grace's smile faltered momentarily as the bell rang, signaling the time for her to leave.)

Miss Grace: "Oh, that's right... It's time for the principal's meeting."

( She stood up, her expression growing more serious as she prepared to leave.)

Miss Grace: "Well, I have to go now. Stay out of trouble, alright?"

Pedro: "Okay..."

( later, me and my friends arrive to the library as Mister Hyde is putting books in their places )

( Mister Hyde notices the group approaching and smiles warmly in greeting. )

Mister Hyde: "Ah, hello there! What brings you all to the library today? Need help finding something?"

Pedro: "well, kind of.."

( Mister Hyde raises an eyebrow curiously, inviting the group to share their query.)

Mister Hyde: "Oh, really? Well, I'll do my best to assist. What is it that you're looking for?"

Pedro: "It's just that... Knowing you're always well documented on some events in the school orphanage... me and my friends were a little in thought about... ( inhales ) Victoria Circlemoon's history here."

( Mister Hyde's expression grew more solemn at the mention of Victoria Circlemoon's name, and he nodded slowly, clearly familiar with the topic. )

Mister Hyde: "Ah, Victoria Circlemoon... Yes, I recall that case quite well. It was a very sad and mysterious situation that still baffles many to this day. What would you like to know about it?"

( The group exchanged glances, clearly interested in hearing more about what Mister Hyde had to say. They were all keenly aware of the tragic story of Victoria Circlemoon and wanted to know more about her. )

Bubble: "Well... We heard from Miss Grace that you were teaching at the time as well, right? Did you know Victoria personally back then?"

( Mister Hyde nodded, his expression growing more solemn as the memories resurfaced. )

Mister Hyde: "That's correct. I did know Victoria personally back then. In fact, I had her in my class. She was a quiet and intelligent student, but you could tell that she was struggling with something. She rarely spoke, and always seemed to be carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders."

Engel: "Miss Grace mentionned that she had a very corrked left arm due to the abuse on her. Did you noticed that as well."

( Mister Hyde grimaced as the topic of Victoria's abuse was brought up. It was clear that the memory still bothered him deeply. )

Mister Hyde: "Yes, I did notice. Her left arm was clearly crooked, and it was obvious that it was due to the abuse she had suffered at home. It was heartbreaking to see her endure such cruelty at such a young age."

Claire: "But what bother us is after Victoria was locked in that room, now off-limits,... What made her losing her sanity like that ? Sure she was abused and all but still..."

( Mister Hyde sighed heavily, the weight of the situation evident in his expression. )

Mister Hyde: "It's hard to say exactly what caused Victoria to lose her sanity. Being abused and locked away for months on end likely had a devastating effect on her mental and emotional state. Without any kind of social interaction and in such a dark, isolated environment, it's not surprising that she would break down. It's a terrible tragedy, indeed."

Abbie: "But uh... The day she disappeared mysteriously... Did you have an idea what happened to her ?"

( Mister Hyde shook his head, the mystery surrounding Victoria's disappearance still an unsolved one. )

Mister Hyde: "Unfortunately, no one really knows what happened to Victoria that day. She simply vanished without a trace. I remember Miss Grace and the other teachers searched everywhere for her, but there was no sign of her. It was like she had just vanished into thin air. It's one of the most baffling mysteries in this school's history."

( Mister Hyde look at a picture of him with his deceased daughter with her deceased husband and his grand-daughter who went missing after a car crash in the woods )

( It was clear that the memories attached to the photo stirred up bittersweet feelings within him. )

Mister Hyde: "This picture is very special to me. It captures a happier time, a time when my family was still intact. My daughter... Her husband, and my grand-daughter... They're all gone now, but this picture reminds me of the love and joy we shared together."

Pedro: "You mean by that that.... Victoria didn't had this chance ?."

( Mister Hyde nodded, his expression growing solemn once more. The stark contrast between his own fortunate family memories and Victoria's tragic circumstances weighed heavily on him. )

Mister Hyde: "Yes, it's true. Victoria never had the chance to experience that kind of love and joy. Her life was marked by hardship, pain, and loneliness. It's a tragic irony, isn't it?"

Pedro: "I guess.... I'm not sure if me or my friends should say we're lucky because.... Sure, we lost our respective parents but... We were always together."

(Mister Hyde's expression softened, a sense of understanding in his eyes.)

Mister Hyde: "Sometimes, even in the face of pain and loss, the bonds of friendship can serve as a source of strength and comfort. You and your friends may have lost your parents, but the support and companionship you found in each other has allowed you to endure through it all. It's important to cherish those bonds and lean on each other in times of need."

( The group nodded in agreement, each of them feeling a sense of comfort in the knowledge that they had each other to rely on. )

Bubble: "Yeah... We may not have had the perfect circumstances growing up, but at least we had each other. We're like a little family, you know?"

( Lana chimed in, a small smile on her face. )

Lana: "That's right. We may not be related by blood, but we're all like siblings here. We've been through so much together, and we'll always be there for each other no matter what."

( Engel nodded, a hint of pride in his expression. )

Engel: "Exactly. We've faced challenges and difficult times together, but we've come out stronger because of it. We've built a bond that's unbreakable, and nothing can tear us apart."

Abbie: "Uh.... And that's why we're still here today, right ?"

( Claire continues )

Claire: "Exactly."

( Mister Hyde nodded, impressed by the group's resilience and unity.)

Mister Hyde: "That's absolutely right. Your bond and unwavering determination to stick together has helped you overcome any obstacles you've faced. It's a testament to the strength of true friendship."

Pedro: "And that's why we're like our own gang. Right guys and gals ?"

( Everyone nodded in agreement, a sense of unity and camaraderie in the air. )

Lana: "Absolutely. We're our own little gang, and we've got each other's backs no matter what."

Bubble ( chuckled. ): "Yeah, we're like a squad of unstoppable misfits."

( Engel couldn't help but smile at the description. )

Engel: "Haha, I suppose that sums us up quite well. We may be a motley crew, but we've got a special bond that's tough to break."

( Abbie grinned, a sense of pride in his gaze. )

Abbie: "Yeah, we're not like anyone else. We're unique, and we wouldn't have it any other way."

( Mister Hyde watched the group in admiration, appreciating their sense of unity and the bond they shared. )

Chapter 2: The new teacher

Summary:

Second episode where we discover the new math teacher of the school orphanage.

Chapter Text

( later from Miss Grace's side, she had an argument with Miss Scissors )

( Miss Grace and Miss Scissors stood face to face, their expressions tense as they engaged in a heated argument. )

Miss Scissors: "I swear, you're always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, Grace."

Miss Grace: "And I could say the same for you, Scissors. You're always causing trouble and stirring up drama."

Miss Scissors ( scoffs, rolling her eyes in annoyance.): "Please, you're just overreacting as usual."

Miss Grace ( expression turned cold, her voice firm. ): "Overreacting? You think I'm overreacting? Have you even stopped to consider the damage you've caused around here?"

Miss Scissors ( sneers, her eyes narrowing.): "Damage? I'm simply enforcing discipline and order around here. Something you seem to have no knack for."

Miss Grace ( jaw tightened, her voice rising in anger. ): "Discipline and order? Is that what you call it? You're nothing more than a tyrant with no regard for the well-being of the students."

Miss Scissors ( smirks, her expression condescending. ): "Ah, there you go with your bleeding heart again. You're too soft, Grace. You coddle those kids as if they're fragile pieces of glass."

Miss Grace ( hands clenched into fists, her voice growing louder. ): "Coddle? Is that what you call showing compassion and empathy? Something you clearly lack."

Miss Scissors ( scoffs again, her tone biting. ): "Compassion and empathy won't get those kids far in life. They need discipline and authority to shape them into respectable adults."

Miss Grace ( patience wore thin, her voice rising to a near shout. ): "Respectable? You think abusing and belittling them is the way to go? Your methods are nothing but cruel and damaging."

Miss Scissors ( raises her voice as well, her own anger flaring. ): "Cruel? Damaging? Please, my methods are just tough love. It's what they need to learn responsibility and resilience."

Miss Grace ( eyes flare in anger ): "Tough love? You call it that, but let's call it what it really is: psychological abuse."

( while they're still arguing , footsteps are heard, especially boots towards the principal office )

( Both Miss Scissors and Miss Grace's attention divert towards the approaching footsteps, their argument momentarily interrupted by the sound. )

Miss Scissors: "What in the world...?"

Miss Grace ( eyes narrow, her expression guarded. ): "Hmph, someone's coming."

( they hear the knock on the door then silence, like the person behind is waiting for permission to enter. )

( Miss Scissors and Miss Grace exchange a skeptical look before Miss Scissors sighed and spoke in a slightly annoyed tone. )

Miss Scissors: "Come in."

( as the door opens, they see who's entering. It was Victoria Circlemoon but as a grown adult. she was an abnormally tall woman with long black, frazzled hair, wearing a vest, cargo pants, and military boots. she has horns on her head and her black clawed hands while her left arm is hidden behind her back due to its crooked position. Victoria smiles showing pointed and sharp teeths )

Victoria: Well, well... Greetings.

( Both Miss Scissors and Miss Grace's jaws dropped in shock as they witnessed the sight before them. The sight of Victoria, now all grown up, standing there with long black hair and horns, dressed in a military-like attire, was a complete surprise. )

Miss Scissors: "W-what the...? Victoria? Is that really you?"

Victoria: "Miss Scissors.. And also you, Miss Grace. Hope I didn't bother your little argument. Fuhehehehe..."

( Both were completely taken aback, their previous argument now completely forgotten. They exchanged stunned glances before slowly stepping closer to Victoria, as if in disbelief of what they were seeing. )

Miss Grace: "But... How? How is this even possible? You disappeared without a trace, we thought you were dead..."

Victoria: "Dead is a big word. I managed to escape and I'll tell you, it wasn't that simple to make a tunnel in a pitch black room with no light source."

( Miss Scissors and Miss Grace were left speechless by her revelation. They exchanged a disbelieving look, still finding it difficult to wrap their heads around the fact that Victoria was truly standing there before them, telling them about her miraculous escape.)

Miss Scissors: "You... You dug a tunnel in the dark? But... that's impossible! That room was locked and sealed off!"

Victoria: "Seems like I'm more ressourceful than everyone thought. By the way, I even say hello to my mother once I escaped. Sadly, my old father said she had an " accident ". To be honest, knowing how she treated me, I'm not complaining. I finally managed to make studies in my whole passion: Maths and all that under another name."

( Again, Miss Scissors and Miss Grace were stunned into silence, their minds trying to process everything Victoria was saying. The thought of her escaping the locked room was already mind-boggling, and now she was mentioning a life of success and studying in her field of interest. )

Miss Grace: "You... You escaped, managed to find your passion, and even studied in the field of Maths? It's... it's incredible. But... What about your arm?"

Victoria: "Oh I didn't forget. ( She showed her crooked left arm ) Still a reminder of how you treated me, Miss Scissors ?"

( A look of shock and guilt flashed across Miss Scissors's face as she took in the sight of Victoria's crooked arm. The realization of the impact of her actions hit her hard, and she couldn't help but falter in the face of the visual evidence of her own cruelty. )

Miss Scissors: "I-I... I..."

Victoria: "But you know... Victoria Circlemoon is no longer existing for me. For this day forward, for you, I'm... Miss Circle." ( she grins )

( Miss Scissors and Miss Grace exchanged dumbfounded glances, even more taken aback by this new revelation. Victoria, now going by the name Miss Circle, had presented not only a physical but also a symbolic transformation. )

Miss Scissors: "M-miss Circle...?"

Miss Circle: "Hehehe... this new name references how I fell in love to maths when I make the first forms. By the way, I'm not just here for just saying hello. I heard that this school was looking for a math teacher. Lucky you, I'm the candidate you need and I have the proper proofs right here." ( she then showed the graduations she had )

( Both Miss Scissors and Miss Grace were left speechless as they looked at the impressive array of graduations and certifications Victoria had obtained. )

Miss Scissors: "I... I can't believe it... You not only survived, but you've also achieved such success in your field and come back to apply for the math teaching position. It's... it's quite astonishing, to say the least. But..."

( She then leaned forward, her expression slightly narrowing as she asked a crucial question.)

Miss Scissors: "You have all these qualifications, and you've clearly achieved so much since disappearing. Why come back here, and why apply specifically to this school?"

Miss Circle: "How about an essay then ? Just test me about my skills as a math teacher and then, you'll have the full picture of why I'm the best choice for your research of a math teacher here. How does it sound ?"

( Miss Scissors and Miss Grace exchanged a skeptical look, but curiosity piqued within them. They silently agreed to this unconventional test, intrigued to witness Victoria's skills in action. )

Miss Grace: "Alright, we'll give this an opportunity. Let's see what you've got. Go ahead, Miss Circle."

Miss Circle: "First of all, where's the class supposed to have a math class ?"

( Miss Scissors crossed her arms and pointed towards a nearby classroom door. She nodded in the direction of the room, her eyes fixed on Miss Circle, clearly wanting to see how she'd approach this first challenge. )

Miss Scissors: "Classroom 5B. That's where you'll teach, if you can prove your worth."

( from Pedro's side with his friends ) Pedro: "Apparently, according from Kevin and Robby, there was someone entering the school. Is she supposed to be the new math teacher ?"

( The group's curiosity piqued as news of a newcomer spread. Robby and Kevin stood nearby, discussing what they had heard )

Robby: "I heard she's supposed to be the new math teacher or something. Miss Scissors and Miss Grace were in a meeting with her."

Kevin: "Seriously? A new teacher, huh? Wonder what she's like. Hopefully, she's not as mean as Miss Scissors."

( Engel, who is sit next to me with Claire while Abbie and Lana are sit behind and Bubble just in front of me, answers )

Engel: "I heard it's a woman named Miss Circle. She seems pretty smart from what I've heard."

Lana: "Yeah, they say she's an expert in math. Apparently, she even has a bunch of certifications and degrees and all that."

Claire: "I hope she's nicer than Miss Scissors. That woman is a nightmare."

Bubble ( laughs lightly, her expression reflecting the hope of a better teacher.): "Yeah, I'm definitely with you on that one. Anything's got to be better than Miss Scissors, right?"

Abbie ( nodded in agreement, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.): "Absolutely. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this new teacher is a breath of fresh air. Maybe someone who actually knows how to connect with the students instead of terrorizing them."

( they then hear loud footsteps, )

Pedro: "Hear that ?"

( The group paused, their curiosity piqued once more. The sound of nearing footsteps grew louder, indicating someone approaching their direction. They exchanged glances, the anticipation building as they waited to get a glimpse of the newcomer. )

( Miss Circle then enters the class. Her abnormaly tall figure towering the entire class )

( The group's eyes widened in surprise as Miss Circle entered the classroom, her abnormally tall stature immediately drawing their attention. The entire room fell to a complete silence as all eyes fixated on the new teacher. Miss Circle's imposing presence commanded attention without even saying a word. )

Miss Circle: ( grining showing her pointed and sharp teeths in a grin ) "Hello kids."

( The room remained eerily quiet as the students stared at Miss Circle with a mixture of awe and slight apprehension. The sight of her smile, revealing pointed and sharp teeth, sent a small shiver through the classroom. Miss Circle's grin didn't waver, her gaze sweeping across the faces of the students, studying their reactions. Miss Grace and Miss Scissors stood silently in the corner, observing the interaction intently. )

Miss Circle: "As you may heard, my name is Miss Circle. I'll be your math teacher in this school."

( The students remained mostly silent, still taken aback by Miss Circle's imposing figure and her sharp-toothed grin. A few whispered exchanges and murmurs filled the room, but the overall tension remained palpable. Miss Grace and Miss Scissors continued observing from the corner, waiting to see how the class would respond to this unexpected new addition to the teaching staff. )

Miss Circle: "Before we could properly begin my class, I want to test your math skills first. Let's begin simple, shall we ?" ( she then write on board 4 equations: An addition, a soustraction, a multiplication and a division )

( The students exchanged glances, a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity in their eyes. It was clear that Miss Circle was keen to gauge their current level of math comprehension. The four equations on the board seemed simple enough, and the room grew even quieter as the students readied themselves for the impromptu test. As the students began working their way through the equations, a few tentative hands slowly raise, indicating that some were ready to share their answers. Miss Circle, standing at the front of the room, patiently waited for the first student to speak up and share their response. )

Miss Circle ( pointing at Abbie, which makes him startled ): "You. What's your name ?"

( Abbie froze in his seat, his face growing pale as Miss Circle pointed directly at him. His eyes widened, and he swallowed nervously before responding. )

Abbie: "M-my name is Abbie, ma'am."

Miss Circle: "Come here, Abbie. Choose the equation you want to solve and wrote the answer on the board."

( Abbie hesitated, looking around at his friends for reassurance. Engel and Claire offered him a nod of encouragement, while Lana mouthed, "You can do it." Taking a deep breath, Abbie stood up and slowly made his way towards the board. His hand hovered over the equations, weighing his options before finally pointing at the multiplication problem. He took the marker from Miss Circle's hand and stepped up to the board. His hand shook visibly as he attempted to solve the problem, his mind racing with a mix of tension and worry. The room fell silent once more, all eyes focused on Abbie as he worked through the equation. Engel and Claire exchanged a glance, silently cheering him on, while Lana whispered a silent, "You got this" under her breath. Seconds turned to minutes, and Abbie fought to keep his nerves in check. Sweat dotted his forehead as he continued working, occasionally glancing back at his friends for reassurance. Finally, he took a deep breath and scribbled what seemed to be the correct answer on the board before stepping back, waiting nervously for Miss Circle's assessment. A moment of anticipation filled the air as everyone waited for Miss Circle's reaction. She studied the answer on the board, her expression betraying no immediate reaction. Finally, she turned back towards Abbie, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. )

Miss Circle: "Hmm, not bad. Well done, Abbie. You got that one correct."

( A collective exhale of relief filled the class, and Abbie let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His friends all looked proud, relieved, and impressed. Engel gave him a subtle thumbs-up, and Claire's gaze conveyed a sense of relief. Abbie, still visibly shaken but a bit more confident, returned to his seat with a slight nod to Miss Circle, grateful for the praise. )

( Miss Circle then suddenly see a sort of tv head on a desk )

Miss Circle: "Why is there a tv in one of the desks ?"

Robby: "Oh that, it's Ruby. Isn't she adorable ?"

( Ruby activated herself )

( The class turned their attention to the TV-headed robot in question, the sight of it immediately capturing their interests and slight intrigue. Robby, with a clear adoration for the robot, spoke up with a smile, introducing the robot as Ruby. The class watched as the TV screen flickered to life, revealing the cheerful persona of Ruby. )

Miss Circle: "I see... And who put this... robot on the desk exactly?"

( Silence fell upon the class, a moment of hesitation as no one dared to answer Miss Circle's question. It was clear that no one wanted to admit responsibility for the unusual addition to the classroom. Finally, after an uncomfortably long pause, Kevin spoke up, his voice laced with slight embarrassment. )

Kevin: "Uh... that would be me, maam."

Miss Circle: "Your name, please."

( Kevin squirmed under Miss Circle's gaze, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He cleared his throat before answering. )

Kevin: "My name is Kevin, ma'am..."

Miss Circle: "Your talent may be interesting but my class is Math, not Mechanics. Now come here and solve one of the remaining equations on the board."

( Kevin, still feeling slightly flustered, got up from his seat and approached the board. He picked up a marker and examined the remaining equations, trying to hide his anxiety as he tried to focus on the problem. Engel and Claire exchanged glances, worried for their friend. Lana, sitting just behind, whispered words of encouragement under her breath. Kevin worked through the equation, his brow furrowed in concentration. The class watched in silence, a mixture of anticipation and concern in the air. Engel shifted anxiously in his seat, hoping for Kevin to come through. Claire gripped the edge of her desk, her hands clenching and unclenching. Finally, Kevin finished working and stepped back, bracing himself for Miss Circle's verdict. Miss Circle studied the board, her expression betraying no immediate reaction. The class held their breath, the weight of the moment palpable. After what felt like an eternity, Miss Circle turned her gaze towards Kevin. )

Miss Circle: "Hmm, that's correct. Well done, Kevin."

( A collective sigh of relief filled the room as the class reacted to Kevin's correct answer. Engel and Claire exchanged grateful glances, relieved that their friend had succeeded. Kevin, still feeling the weight of the pressure, exhaled deeply and returned to his seat, visibly drained. )

( Pedro whispers to Engel, Claire and Bubble )

Pedro: "Hey, she may be intense but for the moment, she's not that bad of a teacher."

( Engel nodded in agreement, whispering back in a hushed tone. )

Engel: "She is rather intimidating, but I have to admit she does seem more competent than Miss Scissors. Plus, she graded Abbie and Kevin correctly, so that's a good sign."

Claire ( added softly, ): "Yeah, she's got a strong presence. But she's been fair so far. Maybe we'll actually learn something in this class for a change."

( Bubble, ever the optimist, chimed in with a hopeful smile. )

Bubble: "Exactly. It's refreshing to have a teacher who's not just yelling at us constantly. And hey, maybe we'll even learn some cool math stuff too. We just have to give her a chance, right?"

Miss Circle: ( pointing at Engel ) "You with the feathers on your head, your name."

( Engel jolted, having not expected to be singled out next. He cleared his throat, feeling a bit nervous as all eyes turned towards him. )

Engel: "Uh... My name is Engel, maam."

Miss Circle: "Well, Engel, come to the board and solve one of the two remaining equations."

( Engel hesitantly got to his feet and approached the board, trying to keep his cool despite the growing nerves. He picked up the marker and read the equations on the board, trying to push down the butterflies in his stomach. The class watched him work, Engel's brow furrowed in concentration. Engel's heart pounded in his chest, hyper-aware of the attention on him. Bubble watched with bated breath, hoping for him to succeed. Claire sent a silent supportive nod in Engel's direction, trying to help him stay focused. Engel worked through the problem, every second feeling like an eternity. Eventually, he concluded the equation and stepped back, waiting for Miss Circle's assessment. The classroom was heavy with anticipation, each student seemingly holding their breath for the verdict. Miss Circle inspected the board, scrutinizing Engel's work. Her expression remained unreadable, giving no immediate indication of whether he had succeeded or not. Engel fidgeted slightly, his nerves threatening to get the better of him. The class waited in anxious silence, the minutes ticking by like hours. After what felt like an eternity, Miss Circle turned around and fixed her gaze on Engel. The class held its collective breath, awaiting her assessment. Engel swallowed nervously, his heart thrumming in his chest as he waited for her response. Finally, Miss Circle spoke, her voice firm and direct. )

Miss Circle: "Hmm... correct."

( A collective sigh of relief filled the room as the class realized Engel had solved the problem correctly. Engel let out a soft exhale, the tension leaving his body. Claire and Bubble exchanged a relieved look, thankful Engel had succeeded. Engel took a step back, returning to his seat with a mixture of exhaustion and pride. )

( Pedro whispers )

pedro: "Say, guys and gals, I wonder how she decided to call herself Miss Circle."

( Engel and the group quietly whispered among themselves, speculating about the origin of their new teacher's name. )

( Engel pondered aloud, a hint of curiosity in his voice. )

Engel: "I've been wondering the same thing. I mean, why 'Miss Circle'? It's not exactly a common name for a math teacher."

Pedro ( whispers ): "Maybe because she loved making things roundy... ( he begin to chuckle as it rises a little high ) I mean.. Roundy because circles. Pffff..." ( chuckles ) ( Engel, Abbie, Bubble, Claire and Lana tried to tell him by whisper to stop so Miss Circle won't ,notice what I'm doing )

( The group's whispers turned more urgent as they tried to shush Pedro, fearful of Miss Circle overhearing your comment. Claire attempted to muffle his outburst with her hand, her eyes darting nervously towards the teacher. )

Claire: "Shhhhh! Are you insane?! She's gonna hear you!"

Pedro: "Haaaa..." ( Miss Circle directly turns on his direction )

Miss Circle: "You !"

Me; "Yes, ma'am ?"

( Miss Circle's sharp gaze snapped towards him, pinning Pedro with her intense stare ) Engel, Abbie, Claire, Bubble, and Lana all froze, their gazes darting anxiously between you and the teacher. )

Miss Circle: "May I ask exactly what you were finding so amusing just now?"

Pedro: "Uh, hehe.... Sorry, it's just I imagined a joke in my head and instead of keeping it safe, I expressed it out loud..."

( Miss Circle's eyes narrowed slightly at your explanation, a hint of annoyance in her expression. )

Miss Circle: "I see. You do realize this is a classroom, right? And that I'm trying to conduct a lesson here? Jokes and irrelevant conversations are not exactly what I consider to be conducive to learning. So perhaps you want to keep any future jokes to yourself, hm?"

Pedro: "Uh... Sure..."

( Miss Circle then points at Lizzy )

Miss Circle: "You, miss. Your name."

( Lizzy, who had up until now been quietly observing, jolted at being singled out. She cleared her throat before responding. )

Lizzy: "Uh... m-my name is Lizzy, ma'am."

Miss Circle: "Lizzy, care to come here and solve the last equation on the board ?"

( Lizzy nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed from the sudden attention. She got up from her seat and approached the board, taking a deep breath to compose herself. Her hand hovered over the marker, contemplating the equation before carefully beginning to work. The rest of the class watched in silence as Lizzy tackled the problem. Engel, Abbie, Claire, Bubble, and Lana exchanged anxious glances, silently rooting for Lizzy to succeed. Miss Circle observed her intently, her expression betraying no indication of how well Lizzy was doing. The air in the room was heavy with suspense, the weight of the moment palpable. Lizzy, meanwhile, worked diligently at the board, the marker gliding quickly across the surface. Her brow furrowed, a look of concentration etched on her face as she tried to find the solution. After what felt like an eternity, Lizzy took a step back, having finished the equation. She turned towards Miss Circle, awaiting her verdict. The room was deathly silent as the class waited for Miss Circle's assessment. Engel, Abbie, Claire, Bubble, and Lana held their breath, their eyes fixed on the teacher. Miss Circle studied the board for a moment before looking directly at Lizzy. Her expression remained neutral, offering no clues as to her opinion of Lizzy's work. )

Miss Circle: "Hmm. Incorrect."

( A hushed gasp filled the room, the class reeling from the unexpected answer. Engel and the others exchanged dismayed glances, their hopes of a positive outcome fading away. Lizzy, visibly deflated, returned to her seat, a mixture of disappointment and embarrassment clouding her expression. )

Miss Circle: "Well, class, from my observation so far, 3 equations have correct answers out of 4. Seems that the majority had good math skills. However, those where their skills aren't as good, I hope for you that you improve over time. Right now, I was just testing your math skills as a first look but later, I won't be as fogivable if I saw you didn't improve overtime. Is that clear ?"

( The class nodded in acknowledgment, a collective murmur of agreement rippling through the students. Engel and the others, despite their disappointment over Lizzy's incorrect answer, recognized the importance of Miss Circle's message. )

Engel: "Yes, ma'am. We understand."

( The rest of the class echoed Engel's response, their voices a chorus of agreement. Miss Circle nodded, an air of satisfaction in her expression. She seemed pleased with the class's understanding of her expectations. )

Miss Circle: "Good. Remember, improvement is key. Now, let's continue with the lesson, shall we?"

( after a while, the class ends and Pedro with his friends are in the hallways in direction of the library )

Chapter 3: the accident part 1

Summary:

third chapter when an incident occurs.

Chapter Text

Pedro: "Well, that math class was... Something..."

( Engel chuckled lightly, echoing your sentiments as the group walked down the hallway headed towards the library.)

Engel: "Yeah, I'll say. That Miss Circle is certainly... intense, isn't she?"

( Claire nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful as she chimed in. )

Claire: "Definitely intense. But I have to admit, she seemed pretty knowledgeable about math, at least."

( Bubble, ever the optimist, attempted to find the bright side in the situation. )

Bubble: "And hey, at least she was fair. It could have been a lot worse. I mean, Miss Scissors was way scarier."

( Lana chimed in, her voice tinted with a hint of sarcasm. )

Lana: "Yeah, but on the flip side, I feel like Miss Circle is gonna be way harder to deal with. That whole 'improvement is key' shtick sounds like code for 'I'm gonna ride your case constantly if you fail.'

( The group collectively groaned, the prospect of constant scrutiny from Miss Circle clearly not something they relished.)

Abbie: "Ugh, please don't remind me. I can already see us getting called out during every single class if we slip up even once."

Pedro: "Still, there's a little thing about Miss Circle that bothers me. Her left arm. When she presented herself on class, she hides it behind her back and even when she used it for the board, she tried to not showing it too much."

( The group paused in their tracks, curiosity piqued by your observation. Engel turned to you, his own intrigue visible in his expression. )

Engel: "Uh... now that you mention it, I did notice that too. It seemed like she was purposely trying to conceal her left arm the whole time. I wonder why..."

( Claire suddenly recalled something, her eyes widening in realization. She chimed in, her voice holding an air of urgency. )

Claire: "Guys, wait... I just remembered. When I was sitting closer to her, I got a clearer look at her left arm. And.. well..."

( The others immediately turned their attention towards Claire, all waiting for her to continue. )

( Claire paused for a moment, seeming hesitant to recount what she saw, before finally continuing. )

Claire: "The arm looked... crooked. Like, at a weird angle. It didn't look natural at all. And there was something else..."

Pedro: "What ?"

( Claire hesitated again before continuing, her eyes narrowed in recollection. )

Claire: "I thought I saw a few scars along the arm. They seemed fresh, like they hadn't been there for very long."

( A hushed silence fell over the group as Claire's words sank in. Engel exchanged a concerned look with Bubble and Lana, clearly disturbed by the implications of Claire's discovery. )

Pedro: "Are you suggesting this Miss Circle was a student from our school at the time ? It's like a coincidence;.."

( Engel frowned, the gears in his mind visibly turning as he considered Claire's observation and the implications. )

Engel: "It does seem like an odd coincidence... But there's no way to be sure, right? I mean, there has to be some other explanation..."

( Lana piped up, her eyes wide with realization. )

Lana: "Wait... What if... What if Miss Circle is Victoria Circlemoon?"

Abbie: Uh... What ?

( The group gasped, shocked by Lana's bold suggestion. Engel stared at Lana in disbelief, trying to process the idea. )

Engel: "What? Wait, what do you mean? That's just... that's crazy, right?"

Bubble: "If it's the case, how did she escaped the now off-limits room ?"

( The group fell silent once more, completely at a loss for an explanation. The idea was outlandish, but the more they thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Engel shook his head slightly, still skeptical. )

Engel: "I don't know... That's a good question. The room is supposed to be completely inaccessible, right? How could she have gotten out?"

( Lana, a determined expression on her face, suddenly spoke up with an idea. )

Lana: "Maybe... maybe she managed to find a way out through another route? Something we weren't aware of?"

( Bubble chimed in, uncertainty lacing her voice. )

Bubble: "But the room is heavily fortified with security measures, right? It seems impossible for someone to just sneak out unnoticed."

Pedro: "We're not too far from the library. Let's ask Mister Hyde if he knows something we don't know about this Miss Circle."

( The group exchanged glances, a sense of agreement passing between them. Engel nodded in agreement, ready to follow your suggestion. )

Engel: "Yeah, that makes sense. Mr. Hyde's been at this school for a long time. If anyone knows something, it's probably him. Let's go."

( they arrive close to the library as they hear Mister Hyde discussing with Miss CIrcle. Mister Hyde still been aback when he directly recognised that Miss Circle was Victoria Circlemoon )

Pedro: "Oh, he's talking with someone."

( The group stopped in their tracks, noticing the conversation unfolding before them. The sound of Mister Hyde and Miss Circle's discussion reached their ears, confirming their suspicions. Engel looked towards the two teachers with anticipation, clearly eager to hear what was being said. )

Engel: "That's him, alright. Wait, is that Miss Circle with him?"

( From Mister Hyde's side, as he's discussing with Miss Circle )

( Mister Hyde's voice floated towards the group, his words clear and unmistakeable. )

Mister Hyde: "Victoria, I can't believe it's really you. I never thought I'd see you again."

( Miss Circle laughed softly, a mixture of nostalgia and relief in her voice. )

Miss Circle: "Believe me, I'm surprised to be back here myself. It's been a long and winding road since... since everything went down. But as I said, Mister Hyde. My name for now on, is Miss Circle. It's a long time the name of Victoria Circlemoon doesn't existed for me."

( Mister Hyde's expression softened slightly, a knowing look in his eyes. He nodded in acknowledgement of Miss Circle's statement. )

Mister Hyde: "I understand. You've chosen a new identity for yourself. I respect that. But you know..."

( He paused, his tone growing more serious as he studied Miss Circle. )

Mister Hyde: "It doesn't change who you are. Deep down, you'll always be Victoria Circlemoon."

Miss Circle; "I never forgot my time here, mostly how I was abused and how my left arm was treated."

( Mister Hyde's expression darkened, his face clouding with anger and sadness at the mention of Victoria's mistreatment. He clenched his hands into fists, clearly troubled by the memories. )

Mister Hyde: "What they did to you...to your left arm. It was cruel and unjustified."

( He took a step closer, concern etched all over his face. )

Mister Hyde: "Tell me... how is your arm now?"

Miss Circle: "Still crooked. Sure the doctors managed to uninfected the arm but I guess I'll live with that arm in that state for the rest of my life."

( Mister Hyde sighed heavily, clearly pained by Victoria's words. He ran a hand through his hair, his expression a mixture of sadness and regret. )

Mister Hyde: "I'm sorry... I truly am. No one should have to suffer the way you did. And to bear the physical scars like that..."

( He shook his head, his voice trailing off, before continuing. )

Mister Hyde: "You must be angry. At the teachers...at the school."

Miss Circle: "I'm mostly angry towards Miss Scissors and those who bullied me. Still I hear that Miss Grace was the favourite among the students to be the next principal."

( Mister Hyde nodded, his expression turning sour as the topic turned to Miss Scissors and the bullies. )

Mister Hyde: "Miss Scissors... she was always overly strict and harsh, especially to you. And those students who bullied you... they had no right to treat you the way they did."

( He let out a sigh, before addressing Miss Circle's last statement. )

Mister Hyde: "And yes, Miss Grace is highly regarded by students and staff alike. She would be an excellent principle."

Miss Circle: "I'm sure she will. For Miss Scissors's case, for not too long, I'm gonna adress with her in private. I have an idea to make her leave this place permanently without anyone could notice."

( Mister Hyde raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued by Victoria's words. He crossed his arms, a mix of intrigue and concern in his eyes. )

Mister Hyde: "A plan to make Miss Scissors leave without anyone noticing? You have my attention. What sort of plan are you talking about?"

Miss Circle: "Oh, just a simple chat. We wouldn't want that, like my mother who never loved me, Miss Scissors fall victim of an " accident " ( she makes a sly grin )

( Mister Hyde's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he comprehended Victoria's words. A sly grin spread across his face as understanding dawned on him. )

Mister Hyde: "Ah, I see. So it'll be an... 'accident', is that it?"

( His tone was tinged with a hint of sarcasm and perhaps a touch of admiration for Victoria's deviousness. )

( as Miss Circle was going to leave the library )

Miss Circle: "You were always the haven in this school, you know that ?"

( Mister Hyde's expression softened as Victoria spoke, a faint smile touching his lips. It was clear that her words meant a great deal to him. )

Mister Hyde: "I was just doing my best to be a beacon of decency in a place where it was sadly lacking. But hearing that from you...it means a lot."

( He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice taking on a more somber tone. )

Mister Hyde: "I only wished I could have done more to stand up for you, back then."

Miss Circle: "Trust me, the few you did is already enough." ( she then leave the library )

( Mister Hyde watched as Miss Circle left the library, a mixture of emotions flickering across his face. A deep sense of regret and guilt was there, mixed with a lingering affection for her. After a few seconds, he let out a long sigh and shook his head, before returning to the tasks he had been working on before. Meanwhile, the group continued to listen from their hiding spot, trying to process what they had just heard. )

Pedro: " An accident ", just like her mother ? What did she mean by that ?"

( The group exchanged glances, all of them equally puzzled and concerned by Miss Circle's words. Engel spoke up, voicing the question on everyone's minds. )

Engel: "I'm not sure, but it's definitely suspicious. And the way Mister Hyde responded...he knew exactly what she was talking about. Do you think...?"

( He didn't finish his sentence, but his implication was clear – could there be more to Victoria's back story than they knew? )

Pedro: "It's clear Miss Circle completely lost willingly all traces of her personnality as Victoria Circlemoon."

( Claire nodded in agreement, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. )

Claire: "It seems that way. The contrast between the Victoria we knew and this Miss Circle persona is just so stark. It's almost like she's completely shed away any sense of her former identity."

( Bubble chimed in, a look of concern in her eyes. )

Bubble: "That can't be healthy, right? Just abandoning your past like that...it has to affect a person somehow."

Pedro: "She said that she'll talk to Miss Scissors soon. If we want to know what she's going to do, we maybe have to be discreet... And hope I didn't blow up away like earlier in Miss Circle's class."

( Engel, Claire, Bubble, Abbie and Lana exchanged determined glances, all of them clearly wanting to help uncover the truth behind Victoria's mysterious plan. Engel nodded, a sense of resolve in his expression. )

Engel: "You're right. We should try to stay inconspicuous and see if we can find out what she has planned for Miss Scissors. But we have to be careful not to draw Victoria's suspicion. If she discovers we're spying on her..."

( He let the implication hang in the air. The risk was clear. )

Abbie: Uh... Something bad on us ?

( Engel nodded solemnly, a grim expression on his face. )

Engel: "Yes, quite possibly. Remember how strict Victoria was in class? I'd rather not find out what happens if she catches us snooping around, especially if she has something big planned for Miss Scissors."

( Claire nodded in agreement, adding her own concern. )

Claire: "Exactly. Best to play it smart and stay out of her way as much as possible. We can't risk putting ourselves in the line of fire without knowing what she's capable of."

Pedro: "Sadly, it seems that there's only Miss Circle right now. Victoria Circlemoon doesn't seem to exist anymore..."

( The group was quiet for a moment, taking in your words. The stark reality of Victoria's transformation into Miss Circle and the loss of her former self weighed heavily on all of them. Claire broke the silence, her voice soft and tinged with sadness. )

Claire: "To think...the girl we knew as Victoria, the one who was so full of life and joy...to have lost all of that, to embrace this cold, calculating persona of Miss Circle..."

( She trailed off, her expression reflecting the complex mix of emotions they all felt. )

( Bubble, ever the one to try to find the positive in every situation, attempted to lighten the mood a bit. )

Bubble: "But...maybe she's not completely lost? I mean, there could be some trace of Victoria still in there. People can't just completely change who they are, right?

( The rest of the group offered faint smiles, appreciating Bubble's optimism even if they were feeling otherwise. )

Pedro: "Only one way to find out, I guess..."

( Engel nodded in agreement, a cautious hope in his eyes. )

Engel: "You're right. We won't know for sure unless we try to get closer to her. But let's proceed with caution, okay? We don't want her catching on to what we're doing."

( Claire, Bubble, Abbie and Lana nodded, all clearly ready to do whatever was needed to learn the truth about Victoria. )

( later, we saw discreetly Miss Circle discussing with Miss Scissors as she send her closely to where the off-limits room is )

( The group, spying on Miss Circle and Miss Scissors from a safe distance, watched as the two walked closer to the off-limits room. A sense of anticipation filled the air, and the group strained to catch any details of the conversation that was taking place. )

Claire ( whispering ): "What on earth are they up to...? What could they be discussing at the off-limits room?"

( The others shook their heads, their expressions filled with curiosity and concern. They continued watching, waiting to see the outcome of this secretive discussion. )

( from Miss Circle's side )

Miss Circle: "So, you think Miss Grace isn't made for been a principal ?"

( Miss Scissors let out a scoff, her face twisted into a sneer. )

Miss Scissors: "She's far too soft, that's the problem! A good principal needs to have control and discipline, and she's neither. She lets her students walk all over her."

( She rolled her eyes as they continued walking, clearly contemptuous of Miss Grace's leadership skills. )

Miss Circle: "If you say so... Anyway... ( she opens the off-limits room ) now let's enter this room. I have a little private chat to tell you."

( Miss Scissors raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious of Miss Circle's intentions, but she played along. )

Miss Scissors: "A private chat, huh? Very well then..."

( She followed Miss Circle into the room, her expression a mixture of curiosity and slight apprehension )

( as Miss Circle closes the door )

Pedro: "Guys, gals. That doesn't seem good, we have to look discreetly from the keyhole. Good thing that Kevin created that device allowing us to see what's happening in a pitch black room."

( The group nodded in agreement, moving closer to the door. They crouched down, their eyes flickering towards the keyhole, where light from the room filtered through. )

( Kevin, the one responsible for the device, held the gadget out, the small screen on it displaying a clear view of the inside of the room regardless of the lack of light. )

Kevin: "We can see perfectly now. Let's see what's going on in there...."

( From Miss Circle's side )

Miss Circle: "You know that you weren't that popular with not only students but also your pears, right ?"

( Miss Scissors stiffened at Miss Circle's words, her face betraying a hint of defensiveness. )

Miss Scissors: "Popularity is the least of my concerns. I don't need to be liked, I just need to be respected. Something you clearly don't understand."

( She crossed her arms defiantly, glaring at Miss Circle with thinly veiled hostility. )

Miss Circle: "Just like you did to me back then before you tried to let me rot in that cell of a room we're in right now ?"

( Miss Scissors flinched slightly, clearly not expecting that retort. She tried to maintain her composure, but a flicker of guilt passed through her expression. Clearing her throat, she tried to sound indifferent. )

Miss Scissors: "That was different. You were a troublemaker. You needed discipline."

( Despite her words, there was a hesitance in her voice that hinted at unease. )

Miss Circle: "A shame that you'll never walk those walls again, Miss Scissors. You see, I kind of soften what happened to my mother. In reality, her " accident " was willingly made... By me." ( she makes a wide grin )

( Miss Scissors's eyes widened, shock and horror flickering across her face for a brief moment. Then, her expression darkened, anger slowly replacing the shock. )

Miss Scissors: "You... You're telling me you intentionally... You're responsible for your mother's death..?"

( Her voice trembled slightly, struggling to even say the words. Miss Scissors took a step back, clearly shaken by the revelation. )

( from Pedro's and his friends's side )

Pedro: ( whispering to the others ) "What ? Okay that she never liked her mother but... What ?"

( The group, watching from the keyhole, exchange horrified glances, clearly shocked by the sudden turn of events. Engel, his eyes wide, whispers back. )

Engel: "Did she...did she just admit to what I think she did...? This is insane...."

( The others nodded in agreement, all of them stunned into silence by Miss Circle's confession. Claire, her voice barely audible, spoke up. )

Claire: "I... I can't believe it. Why would she even...?"

( The rest of the group remained silent, their minds reeling from the dark secret just revealed and the unexpected turn the conversation had taken. )

Pedro ( whispering ): Kevin, how's the situation is so far in that room after that confession ?

( Kevin checks the screen of the gadget, his expression grave. )

Kevin: "They're both just standing there. Miss Scissors looks... stunned. And Miss Circle has this weird grin on her face. It's... eerie."

( The others, hearing Kevin's report, share looks of unease. What was going to happen now? )

( from Miss Circle's side )

Miss Circle; "Even if there was no change of principal, I wouldn't let you in peace anyway."

( Miss Scissors bristled, the shock giving way to anger. )

Miss Scissors: "You... you're insane! What do you mean you 'wouldn't let me be in peace'? What are you going to do?"

( Her voice trembled slightly, a mixture of fear and frustration lacing her words. )

Miss Circle: "Just like my mother, you're gonna rot painfully." ( she then bites hard Miss Scissors's neck before she tear apart the flesh. )

( From my side with my friends )

Pedro: "What the hell ?"

( The group, watching the horrific scene unfold before them, felt sick to their stomachs. Engel, his face pale, whispered in horror. )

Engel: "This... this is madness. She's actually killing her..."

( Lana, her voice trembling, added )

Lana: "We need to do something...! We can't just watch!"

( from Miss Circle's side, still with her grin, she spit the flesh she tear apart and goes to the door )

Miss Circle: "Have a nice death.. In the hard way ! Fuhehehehehehe"

( The group, witnessing the gruesome scene through the keyhole, felt their stomachs churn with nausea. Engel and Claire stared in horror, their eyes wide with disbelief. )

Engel: "This... this is beyond disturbing. We have to stop her!"

( Lana, fighting the urge to throw up, agreed with Engel. )

Lana: "But how? She's already a psychopath...! What can we do..?"

Kevin: "Guys, we have to move, she's going to get out."

( The group, snapped out of their stunned shock by Kevin's warning, moved quickly to get away from the door. )

Engel: "Right. Let's get out of here. We can't be found. Not now."

( They retreated quickly, their hearts racing as they tried to hide themselves in a nearby safe spot. )

( They enter an empty room )

( The group quickly darted into the empty room, shutting the door behind them with a soft click. They stood there, their breaths coming in shallow gasps as they tried to calm themselves. Claire, leaning against the wall, spoke in a hushed whisper.

Claire: "Okay, we have to stay calm. We can't let her find out we saw anything..." )

( The others nodded, their fear still palpable in their eyes. )

( Miss Circle got out of the off-limits room. She then had a call for an unknown person )

Miss Circle: "Yes ?"

( The group, listening in fear from their hiding spot, pricked up their ears, straining to catch every word of the conversation. Claire clutched onto the wall, her heart pounding in her chest, as Engel and the others exchanged tense glances. )

( On the other end of the phone, an unknown voice spoke up: )

Unknown voice: "Everything taken care of?"

( Miss Circle responded with a cold, steely tone: )

Miss Circle: "Yes. The problem has been dealt with permanently. You can confirm it soon enough. Oh and by the way, since your new lab is just below it, can you take the body of the off-limits room for your " experiments ". Miss Scissors is now definitely fired."

( The unknown voice on the other end gave a low chuckle, a hint of excitement in their voice. )

Unknown voice: "Ah, that's excellent news. I've been in need of a fresh... specimen, for some new experiments. This timing is perfect. I can arrange for the body to be moved down to the lab immediately."

( The call stopped and after sweeping away the blood of her mouth and teeth, Miss Circle then moves in the hallways )

( Miss Circle walked through the halls with a composed facade. The group, watching from the hidden room, felt a chill run down their spines as she passed by their door. Engel held his breath, while Claire silently prayed she wouldn't notice their presence. )

( Lana, biting her lip nervously, broke the tense silence. Her voice barely above a hushed whisper )

Lana: "She looks... so normal, after what she just did... How is she acting so calm..?"

Pedro: "Surely to create an innocent facade. Still, who called her and what " experiments " they're mentionning to ?"

( Engel, his brows furrowed in thought, shared a worried glance with the others. )

Engel: "You're right... It's probably just an act, to make sure no one suspects anything. But who was on that phone call? And what on earth are those experiments they mentioned... ?"

( Claire, her voice quivering, added )

Claire: "This just keeps getting more and more disturbing... What have we gotten ourselves into.."

Abbie: "I... I don't want to know. I'm gonna have nightmares..."

( Lana nodded sympathetically, giving Abbie a reassuring pat on the back. )

Lana: "I don't blame you... I think we all are going to have nightmares after this..."

( Bubble let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her forehead in frustration. )

Bubble: "We need to find out more about those experiments... and that unknown caller. There's something seriously off here..."

Pedro: "Sadly right now, if we tried to warn Miss Grace or Mister Hyde without proofs of what's going on, they'll never believe us. At this rate, not only Miss Scissors's body will already be removed from the room but also... She planned all this. Miss Circle knew that this room was off-limits and that lab was below it. She found the perfect spot for doing what we saw."

( The group's eyes widened, realization setting in. Engel cursed under his breath, clearly frustrated at the situation. )

Engel: "Damnit... you're right. She meticulously planned all of this, every detail. That's why she chose this room, knowing about the lab below..."

( Claire, her voice tinged with dread, added )

Claire: "And even if we tried to tell anyone, they'd never believe us... She covered her tracks too well.."

Chapter 4: the accident part 2

Summary:

fourth chapter when a accident arrived.

Chapter Text

( From Miss Grace's side, she saw Miss Circle arriving )

Miss Grace: "Miss Circle, you seem oddly happy. Where's Miss Scissors ?"

( As Miss Circle approached Miss Grace, she donned a perfectly casual expression, hiding the sinister truth behind her calm facade. )

Miss Circle: "Ah, Miss Grace. Good to see you. Miss Scissors? Well, let's just say she won't be troubling us anymore. She has... resigned."

( Her tone was nonchalant, as if she was merely discussing something as trivial as the weather. She waited to see if Miss Grace would question her further. )

Miss Grace: "How did you manage to do it ?"

( Miss Circle feigned a modest shrug, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. )

Miss Circle: "Oh, well... I may have... persuaded her to see the error of her ways and reconsider her position here. Let's just say she was... very convinced of my argument."

( She chuckled softly, as if the entire situation was just another everyday event. All the while, she carefully studied Miss Grace's reactions, ready to further spin her deceit if necessary. )

Miss Grace: "I see... Well, since now she left. It seems that makes me the new principal of the school by default"

( Miss Circle's smile widened slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. She inclined her head respectfully towards Miss Grace. )

Miss Circle: "Yes, it appears so. Congratulations, Miss Grace. You should wear the title well."

( Meanwhile, the group in the hidden room watched this exchange silently, their hearts racing. They could only listen in suspense, hoping that Miss Grace would not probe any further into Miss Scissors's disappearance. )

Miss Grace: "Still, Miss Circle. While your presense here may be a warm welcome here. I'm waiting the arrival of three new teachers here. We were expecting one for History, one for Music and another one for Art and to take care of the kindergarten. Miss Scissors always made the recruitation very hard for newcomers as teachers so, as Principal, my first decision is to make it more easier."

( Miss Circle nodded in agreement, still maintaining her facade of civility. )

Miss Circle: "I understand, Miss Grace. Making the recruitment process easier will definitely make things smoother for us. New teachers in History, Music, and Art, and a carer for the kindergarten, correct? Sounds like a good start."

( Inside the hidden room, the group listened closely, their anxiety heightening. The mention of the kindergarten carer particularly caught their attention. )

( Miss Circle took a little cookie on a plate of cookies and eat it )

Miss Circle: "Wouaaaaah, are those cookies Oreos ?"

( Miss Grace chuckled at Miss Circle's enthusiastic reaction to the cookies. )

Miss Grace: "Yes, they are Oreos. Do you like them?"

( As Miss Circle took a bite of the Oreo, the group in the hidden room listened diligently, wondering where this conversation was heading. )

Miss Circle: "If I like them ? I adore them ! It's my favourite cookie !"

( Miss Grace chuckled again, clearly amused by Miss Circle's obvious fondness for Oreos. )

Miss Grace: "I can see that! Your enthusiasm is quite evident."

( As the two continued the lighthearted conversation, the group in the hidden room exchanged confused glances. The discussion about new teachers was quickly shifting into a casual chat about cookies. They couldn't help but feel a bit perplexed. )

Pedro: ( whisper ) "What the hell was that ? Is she just simping about... Cookies ?"

( Engel, equally bewildered, whispered back: )

Engel: "I don't know... This feels so random. We're hiding in a room, watching her act so normal after what we witnessed, and now they're talking about... cookies?"

( Lana, also bewildered, added: )

Lana: "I know we shouldn't judge people's interests, but... this conversation seems downright bizarre considering the circumstances."

( From Miss Grace's side, she hears someone knocking at the door of her now office )

???: "Uh, can we come in ?"

( Miss Grace, still engaged in conversation with Miss Circle, turned towards the door as the knock echoed into her office. )

Miss Grace: "Of course. Please come in."

( She responded in a hospitable tone, curious to see who was waiting outside her office door. )

( As the door opens, she recognised her old friends, Miss Emily, Miss Sasha and Mister Demi )

( A look of surprise and delight filled Miss Grace's face as she recognized her old colleagues and friends, Miss Emily, Miss Sasha, and Mister Demi standing in the doorway. )

Miss Grace: "Oh my! It's really you all! I can't believe it's been so long."

( Her eyes sparkled with joy as she rose from her seat, moving to greet her former colleagues with open arms. )

( Miss Emily, Miss Sasha, and Mister Demi all smiled warmly, equally thrilled to see Miss Grace again after such a long time. )

Miss Emily: "It's good to see you too, Grace! We've missed you around here."

( Miss Sasha nodded in agreement, a nostalgic grin on her face. )

Miss Sasha: "It feels like ages since we all worked together."

( Mister Demi chuckled, his voice filled with amusement. )

Mister Demi: "And look at you, all grown up and a principal now. Time flies."

Miss Emily: "And who's this tall lady over there ?"

( Miss Grace turned towards Miss Circle, who had been quietly observing the reunion between the teachers. )

Miss Grace: "Ah, this is Miss Circle. She'll be a teacher here as well. Miss Circle, these are my old colleagues and friends, Miss Emily, Miss Sasha, and Mister Demi."

( She gestured towards each of the newly arrived teachers in turn as she introduced them, while Miss Circle offered a courteous smile and a polite head nod. )

Miss Circle: "Greetings. You were always with Miss Grace when we were younger. " ( Miss Sasha noticed the crooked left arm of Miss Circle )

( Miss Sasha, her keen eyes picking up on every detail, noticed Miss Circle's crooked left arm. There was a subtle glimmer of curiosity in her gaze, but she didn't comment on it just yet. Instead, she responded with a warm smile. )

Miss Sasha: "Yes, we've all known each other for quite some time. It's lovely to meet you, Miss Circle."

( Mister Demi, meanwhile, couldn't help but notice the same detail of her left arm, his eyes briefly flickering towards it before he quickly composed himself. )

Mister Demi: "Just like that but.... Your left arm, it seems crooked. Did you had an accident or something ?"

( Miss Circle, ever the picture of composure, smiled softly in response to Mister Demi's question. )

Miss Circle: "Oh, this?"

( She nonchalantly gestured towards her left arm, as if her crooked limb was of no significance. )

Miss Circle: "It's a little souvenir from an unfortunate incident in the past. Nothing to worry about."

( Her tone was light, almost dismissive, as if to imply that the matter of her crooked arm was a trivial thing not worth discussing. )

Miss Emily: "Mmmm mmmm... Anyway, Miss Grace. We're here for the posts of new teachers here. I post for History class."

Miss Demi: "Me for Music, since it's my great passion."

Miss Sasha: "And since I recently teach art with the kindergarten I took care of in a previous school, I can do both Art and kindergarten teacher."

( Miss Grace listened intently, nodding in approval as her old colleagues shared their preferences for the available teaching positions. )

Miss Grace: "Ah, excellent! It's wonderful to hear that you all have clear preferences for your roles here. Miss Emily, your expertise in History is invaluable. And Mister Demi, with your passion for Music, I'm sure you'll bring a new energy to that class."

( She then turned to Miss Sasha with a smile, acknowledging her versatility. )

Miss Grace: "And Miss Sasha, taking on both Art and the kindergarten carer role. That's fantastic!"

( Mister Demi then noticed me and my friends on another room )

( Mister Demi, being the observant one, couldn't help but notice the group of kids (including Pedro ) in the other room. His sharp eyes picked up on the sight of your group, and he pointed towards you guys with a hint of curiosity in his voice. )

Mister Demi: "Ah, it seems like we have a bunch of little troublemakers over there. Are they, by chance, some of the students here?"

( Pedro, Engel, Claire, Lana, Bubble, Abbie and Kevin got out of the room )

Pedro: But how did you know we were there ?

( Mister Demi chuckled, looking slightly impressed by the group's sudden appearance. There was a glimmer of mischief in his eyes as he responded. )

Mister Demi: "Let's just say I have a certain sense for these things. Plus, you all weren't exactly being the most stealthy."

( Miss Emily chimed in with a playful grin, clearly amused by the whole situation. )

Miss Emily: "You kids weren't exactly subtle about hiding, you know. We spotted you from a mile away!"

Abbie: "Uh..... Are you three, the new teachers ?"

( Mister Demi, Miss Emily, and Miss Sasha all nodded in confirmation, their friendly expressions confirming Abbie's guess. )

Miss Emily: "That's right. We're here to fill in the open teaching positions. I'll be teaching History, Mister Demi for Music, and Miss Sasha is taking on both Art and kindergarten carer."

Claire: "I see. Sorry by advance about Abbie. He was always that nervous."

( Mister Demi let out a gentle chuckle, while Miss Emily and Miss Sasha exchanged amused glances at Claire's comment. )

Mister Demi: "No need to apologize, we're quite used to dealing with a wide range of personalities. Everyone has their quirks, after all."

( Miss Sasha added with a warm smile, her gaze softening as she looked at Abbie. )

Miss Sasha: "And it's cute that he might get a bit nervous, but we'll make sure to help him feel comfortable here."

Engel: "Say... Miss Grace kind of mentionned you three. Aren't you old friends of her ?"

( At Engel's question, a nostalgic smile spread across the faces of Miss Emily, Mister Demi, and Miss Sasha. They exchanged a knowing glance, clearly familiar with the bond they shared with Miss Grace. )

Miss Sasha: "Yes, we're indeed old friends with Miss Grace. We go way back, actually. We all attended the same schooling together."

( Miss Emily added, her voice filled with fond reminiscence. )

Miss Emily: "We've shared many memories and adventures together. We're practically like family."

( Mister Demi nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting a sense of camaraderie and familiarity. )

Mister Demi: "Exactly. We've been through a lot together, and our friendship has only grown stronger over time. Miss Grace is like a sister to us, and we still keep in touch even now."

( Miss Sasha chuckled, adding a lighthearted remark to the conversation. )

Miss Sasha: "And if I remember correctly, Miss Grace was always the one trying to keep us out of trouble back in the day..."

Kevin; "Well, technically. Pedro, Engel, Claire, Lana, Bubble and Abbie are like a little family as well... The difference been that... They never knew their respective parents."

( Mister Demi, Miss Emily, and Miss Sasha's expressions softened as they heard Kevin's comment. There was a mix of surprise and empathy written on their faces, their gazes falling upon Pedro, Engel, Claire, Lana, Abbie and Bubble, who were silently listening to the conversation nearby. )

( Miss Sasha exchanged a meaningful glance with her friends, a hint of sadness in her eyes. She then spoke, her voice filled with a gentle understanding. )

Miss Sasha: "It must be difficult for them to never have known their parents, huh? That's a tough burden to carry at such young age."

( Mister Demi's expression mirrored Miss Sasha's sentiment, his gaze softening as well. )

Mister Demi: "It is a sad reality that some kids have to grow up without the guidance and love of their parents. It's heart-breaking, really."

( Miss Emily added, nodding in agreement. There was a hint of melancholy in her eyes as she regarded the group of friends. )

Miss Emily: "It's fortunate that they have each other, though. Family can be found in unexpected places, and it seems they've formed a strong bond, like a little makeshift family."

( Way later, in Pedro's dorm with Engel, Claire, Bubble, Abbie and Lana )

Pedro: "Those Miss Sasha, Miss Emily and Mister Demi seem very friendly and more sane as well."

( As the group of friends gathered in their dorm, the conversation shifted focus towards the newly arrived teachers. Engel nodded in agreement, his expression contemplative. )

Engel: "Yeah, they do seem more... normal. I mean, compared to the other teachers, they were friendlier and more relaxed."

( Claire nodded in agreement, adding her own observations. )

Claire: "And they actually smiled. That's a first. None of the other teachers really do that. They're usually so stern and intimidating."

Pedro: "For the case of Miss Circle, she smiles as well but unlike Miss Emily, Miss Sasha and Mister Demi, her smile is more of a grin."

( Bubble, Abbie, and Lana also chimed in, each sharing their thoughts on the newly arrived teachers. )

Bubble: "I noticed that too. Miss Circle's smile felt off somehow. It was like... I don't know, fake? There was something kinda off-putting about it."

( Lana nodded in agreement, a frown on her face. )

Lana: "Yeah, her grin was almost... creepy. It didn't seem genuine like the smiles of Miss Emily, Miss Sasha, and Mister Demi. It made me feel uneasy."

( The room fell into a brief moment of silence as everyone reflected on the contrast between the genuine smiles of Miss Emily, Miss Sasha, and Mister Demi and Miss Circle's unsettling grin. Abbie, trying to lighten the mood, spoke up next. )

Abbie: "Maybe we're overthinking it. Perhaps she was just trying to make a good first impression on us?"

( Engel shrugged, his expression still contemplative. )

Engel: "Maybe. But something tells me there's more to Miss Circle than meets the eye..."

Pedro: "We already saw it when she literally tear Miss Scissors's neck apart with her jaws in the off-limits room. And the unexpected call and the mentions of experiments ? It's definitely suspicious."

( Silence fell over the group as they all recalled the horrifying sight of Miss Circle tearing through Miss Scissors's neck. The memory sent shivers down their spines, reinforcing their growing suspicions about Miss Circle's dark side. )

( Claire, her voice barely a whisper, finally broke the tense silence. )

Claire: "That scene... It was beyond disturbing. There's something truly sinister about Miss Circle. And the phone call... Those mentions of experiments... It's all so... unsettling. I can't shake the feeling that there's a dark secret lurking beneath her friendly facade."

( Abbie, his eyes wide with fear and curiosity, added his own thoughts. )

Abbie: "And what about the phone call? Who was she talking to, and what do they mean by 'experiments'? It sounds really... sinister and creepy."

( Bubble, her voice trembling slightly, voiced her own concerns. )

Bubble: "What could those experiments possibly be? And why does Miss Circle seem so closely involved in them? It gives me chills just thinking about it."

Pedro: "Don't know. Still, Miss Circle indirectly said that ths lab where the experiments are done is below the off-limits room of the school."

( Engel's expression turned serious as the group tried to put the pieces together. )

Engel: "Wait a minute... Below the off-limits room? So, the experiments are happening right beneath our feet?"

( Lana, her eyes wide, couldn't help but shiver at the unsettling revelation. )

Lana: "That's... seriously unnerving. The fact that the experiments are happening so close, hidden right under our noses.. it's disturbing."

Pedro: "Now that I think of it... Didn't you noticed some of our friend students disappeared without reasons ? Lizzy's friend, Petunia, is nowhere. Cubbie, too. Even Skell is not there. Riley, normaly energetic, is unseen...."

( The group exchanged worried glances, realizing the gravity of his words. Engel's face grew solemn as he slowly nodded in agreement. )

Engel: "Now that you mention it, I did notice that some of our friends have been MIA lately. Lizzy's friend, Petunia, Cobbie, Skell, and Riley... they've all gone missing without any explanation."

( Claire's eyes widened with worry. )

Claire: "You don't think... the experiments might be related to their disappearances, do you?"

Pedro: "If we could reach that lab, we could see if yes or no it's the case but sadly, the teachers or Miss Grace won't let us go below the school."

( Bubble nodded, frustration flickering across her face. )

Bubble: "We need to confirm our suspicions, but you're right. Getting into that lab is going to be difficult. Miss Grace or any of the teachers won't just let us venture below the school."

( A heavy silence enveloped the group as they pondered their predicament, their determination to uncover the truth warring with their practical limitations. )

( Later during the night, while it's sleeping time. Pedro was alone in my dorm trying to sleep but Ihe hears footsteps and decide to go up. Discreetly, he sees that a dorm's door was opened, Bubble's room. )

( With the rest of the dorm shrouded in the silence of the night, a quiet sense of intrigue filled the air. He noticed the door to Bubble's room was slightly open, piquing your curiosity. )

( As you quietly ventured closer, you could see a dim light seeping through the crack of the door, indicating that someone, likely Bubble, was awake inside the room. )

( As Pedro cautiously pushed open the door and peered inside, his heart sank as he realized that not only was the room illuminated by a soft light, but Bubble was nowhere to be found within its confines.

( Anxiety and concern rose within him, wondering where Bubble could have disappeared to at such a late hour. The silence of the room felt oppressive, adding to the growing sense of unease in his chest. )

Pedro: "I.. I must tell the others."

( As he hurriedly makes his way to knock on the doors of his friends' dorms, his heart thumping with worry, Pedro waited outside each door, anxiously hoping that they would hear his knock and open the door. )

( Within moments, Engel, Claire, Abbie, and Lana appeared, still clad in their pajamas, their expressions a mixture of concern and drowsiness. )

( Engel, the first to speak, looked at you with a concerned frown. )

Engel: "What's going on? Why'd you call us here in such a hurry?"

Pedro: "It's about Bubble. I found her dorm strangely illuminated in that hour and also.... Look !" ( I show that Bubble has disappeared with her bed been forcely open )

( The others' expressions quickly shifted from confusion to alarm as you explained the situation. Their eyes widened as you showed them Bubble's missing bed and the illuminated room. )

( Claire gasped, her voice filled with worry. )

Claire: "Bubble's missing? And her bed is... pushed aside? And the room was lit up?"

( Lana, her eyes wide with concern, voiced her own fears. )

Lana: "This doesn't look like a normal disappearance. Something is very wrong here.."

( Engel, visibly alarmed, took a step closer, carefully examining the scene. )

Engel: "It does seem like a forced abduction. Bubble didn't willingly leave her room by herself. Someone took her."

( Abbie, his face pale with worry, whispered a fearful question. )

Abbie: "But who could have taken her and why? It can't be a coincidence with all these disappearances lately.."

Pedro: "I go warn Miss Grace about the situation. Stay here." ( he arrived to Miss Grace's dorm but seen that she's not in there, Pedro then go to her office. he found her, thinking she was asleep ) "Miss Grace, I want to tell something: Bubble is missing." ( silence ) "Miss Grace ?"

( he tried to shake her but she falls on the ground. She has been knocked out )

( A sense of dread washed over him as he realized the severity of the situation, the eerie silence in the office only amplifying your worry. )

Pedro: "Come on, Miss Grace. Wake up, wake up !"

( As Pedro desperately pleaded for Miss Grace to wake up, suddenly a pair of strong hands seized him from behind, pinning his arms to his sides. )

( Startled, he turned around to discover that it was Miss Circle, her grin as unnerving as ever as she held him in a firm grip, preventing him from moving further. )

Pedro: "What the ? Miss Circle ?"

( Miss Circle's smile widened as she held him captive, her grip tightening slightly. )

Miss Circle: "Well, well, well. What do we have here? A little mouse, snooping around where you don't belong."

( Her voice was sweet, yet there was an underlying hint of menace in her words as she looked down at Pedro, enjoying the situation. )

Pedro: "I don't know what's your real intention here but I know you're behind the agression on Miss Scissors in the off-limits room and I wouldn't been surprised if you're behind the knocking out of Miss Grace."

( Miss Circle's smile remained plastered on her face as she listened to his accusations, his grip on you remained firm as she responded. )

Miss Circle: "Oh, such a smart little mouse. I suppose you think you know everything, hm? Well, I'll admit it. I did knock out Miss Grace. She got a little too close to unearthing some secrets, and she had to be dealt with. As for Miss Scissors..."

( Her expression darkened for a moment, a hint of annoyance flickered across her features before she resumed her false smile. )

Pedro: "Until all pieces of the puzzle are set, you won't get away with this !"

( Miss Circle chuckled softly, finding his words amusing. )

Miss Circle: "Oh, my little mouse. You think you can stop me? How adorable. But let me tell you something, I have everything carefully planned, and you and your little friends are nowhere near close enough to figuring everything out."

( Her grip tightened, her smile turning even more sinister as she leaned in closer to Pedro, her eyes glinting with a mix of menace and confidence. )

( with a desperate move, he kick her chin. Unprepared for his sudden attack, Miss Circle stumbled back, the unexpected kick making her lose her footing. )

( As she staggered, the force of her movement sent her straight into the hall where the sword was mounted on the wall, its sharp blade cutting through her left arm with precision. She let out a cry of pain, clearly caught off guard by the sudden attack. )

Miss Circle: "Grrrrrr.... You'll pay for that, you... VERMIN !!!" ( Pedro then begins to run away as the other teachers, Miss Emliy, Miss Sasha and Mister Demi wake up from the wreckage and goi see what's going on )

( As the other three teachers, Miss Emily, Miss Sasha, and Mister Demi, were woken up by the commotion, they rushed into the scene. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the sight of Miss Circle's injured state. )

Miss Emily: "Oh god, Miss Circle, your arm..."

( As Miss Emily and the others tried to process the sight, Miss Circle's voice snapped them back to reality. )

Miss Circle: "Forget about my arm for now! The child's trying to get away!"

( Miss Circle, despite her injury, pushed past the pain and started chasing after Pedro with a furious determination, her eyes filled with a hunger for revenge. )

Pedro: "Guys, gals ! We have to run !"

( As Pedro frantically call out to your friends, Claire, Engel, Lana, and Abbie quickly snap out of their shock. Without hesitation, they follow his lead and begin fleeing alongside him, the danger of the situation setting in for them as well. )

Claire ( her voice filled with urgency ): "Right! Run!"

Engel ( his expression serious ): "We can't let her catch us!"

Lana ( her breath quickening ): "This whole situation is insane, but we have no choice but to run now!"

Abbie: "Oh god... But why her left arm is cut ?"

( As the group runs, Abbie's question hangs in the air, but there's no time to answer it. Engel quickly interrupts the discussion. )

Engel: "Not now! We can ask questions later. Right now, we just need to focus on getting as far away from Miss Circle as possible!"

( The sense of urgency in Engel's voice reinforces the dire nature of the situation, and the group redoubles their efforts to put as much distance as they can between themselves and the injured and furious Miss Circle. )

( With adrenaline pumping through their veins, the group quickly follows Pedro's lead and enters the room with him. In a flurry of movement, Abbie shuts the door and immediately begin barricading it with everything the group can find, creating a makeshift barrier to keep Miss Circle out. )

( The sound of Miss Circle's footsteps and angry growls grow louder from the other side of the door, as she begins battering against it, intent on getting in and grabbing Pedro. )

Pedro: "She may lost her arm but.. She still has strength. We have to find a quick exit solution."

( As the door shudders and cracks under Miss Circle's relentless assault, the group quickly realizes the urgency of the situation. )

( Claire speaks up, her voice filled with a mix of fear and determination. )

Claire: "You're right, we need to find an escape route. Fast. Otherwise, she's going to break through that door any minute now."

Lana: "Oh, what did this button do ?"

Pedro, Engel, Claire and Abbie: "Lana, no !"

( A gasp of horror escapes the group's lips as Lana presses a mystery button, activating a hidden trap door. Before they have time to react, the floor gives way, and the five of them plunge down a steep slide, leaving the room and Miss Circle behind. )

( As they slide uncontrollably down the slide in darkness, the sound of the trap door closing above you echoes through the tunnel, leaving Pedro and the others stranded in unknown territory below the school. )

( Miss Circle forced her way in the barricaded room with a kick on the door but she saw that they're already nowhere inside )

Miss Circle: W.. What ?

( She looks around the room, her eyes darting from corner to corner, searching for any clue or indication of your location. Failing to find any evidence, she lets out a furious scream, the sound reverberating throughout the empty hallway. )

Chapter 5: The forgotten

Summary:

Fifth chapter when our protagonists meet three lost students.

Chapter Text

( Meanwhile, Pedro and the others continue to slide through the winding tunnel, the only source of light coming from a faint glow at the end. The sound of Miss Circle's enraged cry fading in the distance, replaced by the rush of air and the faint sound of rushing water in the darkness. )

( As the sliding eventually comes to an end, the group finds themselves in a dimly lit chamber, the source of the glow becoming apparent: a small pool of water, the surface glistening with a soft luminescence. )

( After the slide, Pedro hit the floor of the chamber )

Pedro: "Oof, my back." ( Suddenly he receives the other falling on him, respectively, Lana, Engel, Claire and then Abbie )

( The group groans in pain as they come to a halt, the fall and subsequent fall of one on top of each other leaving them dazed and bruised. Engel, his voice slightly strained, speaks up. )

Engel: "Ugh... That hurt. Is everyone alright?"

Claire ( rubbing her head ): "I think so. But my back's gonna be sore for a while..."

Lana ( her voice slightly muffled ): "Ow... That slide was... more intense than I thought."

Abbie: "Still... Pedro, what happened ? Why Miss Circle was running after you and her left arm cut ?"

( As the group slowly untangles themselves from the pile they found themselves in, Abbie's question hangs in the air, their collective curiosity growing. They turn to him, their eyes filled with a mix of confusion and anticipation. )

( Engel, his curiosity piqued, echoed Abbie's question. )

Engel: "Yeah, we've been wondering about that too. Miss Circle's behavior was... erratic. And then there was the thing with her arm."

( Claire nod, her brow furrowed in concern. )

Claire: "It was strange. She was acting really strangely, and then... then you, Pedro, said something about her arm...?"

( Lana chimes in, her curiosity also piqued by the reference to Miss Circle's bizarre behavior. )

Lana: "Yeah, what was that about? What was wrong with her arm? We saw it was cut, but how did that happen? It was like she was completely different from how she usually acts. And the way she chased after you was... scary. And then her arm..."

( The group falls silent, the memory of Miss Circle's injured and enraged state still fresh in their minds. )

Pedro: "Well, when I was going to tell Miss Grace of what's going on, I found her knocked out in her own office and Miss Circle was there when i tried to wake her up."

( A mix of shock and worry fills the group as you recount your recent encounter with Miss Grace and Miss Circle. Claire, in particular, is visibly surprised, her eyes widening in disbelief. )

Claire: "Miss Grace was knocked out... and Miss Circle was there, too? That's... not good. That's really not good."

(Engel's expression darkens, the gravity of the situation sinking in further.)

Pedro: "Miss Circle grabbed me and in a rush, I kicked her chin with my feet and.... I thought I would just pushed her but.... She ends up hitting against the wall and the sword that was on the wall just above fell and... It cuts her crooked left arm in a clean cut."

( The group listens intently as you describe your encounter with Miss Circle and the unexpected outcome of the sword falling from the wall. Engel's eyes widen in shock, the gravity of what happened fully sinking in. )

Engel: "You kicked her and... the sword fell and cut off her arm? Just like that?"

Pedro: "Yeah and you guess why she chased me before I reach you, guys and gals."

( Claire nods, a mix of surprise and understanding in her eyes. )

Claire: "Yeah, it makes sense now. She was probably furious and out for revenge after what happened. No wonder she was so fixated on catching you."

Pedro: "Still... ( I turn to Lana ) I don't know if I should thank you or been upset because sure, we managed to escape Miss Circle but in another way, not only you push a button without asking us and we're now below the school without even knowing where we are exactly."

( Lana's cheeks flush with a slight embarrassment as you address her, aware of her impulsive decision to press the button. )

Lana: "I know... I'm sorry about that. I should've asked before pushing the button. It was a bit of a reckless move on my part. But in our defense, it did save us from Miss Circle for the time being."

( Engel nods, acknowledging Lana's point. )

Engel: "Yeah, that's true. If we had stayed in the room, Miss Circle would have definitely caught up to us. But now... we need to figure out where the hell we are and find a way out of here before she finds us again."

Pedro: "From the scream of rage we heard during our slide; she seemed to not succeeded to find us."

( Claire nods in agreement, a bit of relief crossing her face at your observation. )

Claire: "Yeah, it sure sounded like she's still running around the school trying to figure out where we went. If we're lucky, we've bought ourselves some time."

Abbie: "Uh.... Did we end up in a... Sort of basement ? It's really wet here..."

( Abbie's observation brings everyone's attention to the environment around them, taking in their damp surroundings. Engel looks around, examining the area with a critical eye. )

Engel: "Hmm... Seems like you're right. This does look like some kind of basement or cellar. And it's definitely wet in here. The air feels humid."

Claire: "There's light in that room over there."

( Claire's keen eye catches a faint glow coming from a nearby room, pointing it out to the rest of the group. )

Claire: "Over there, look. It looks like there's some light coming from that room. Maybe we should check it out?"

( The group, hopeful for any clues or potential escape route, nods in agreement and slowly moves towards the room with the source of light. As they approach the room, Engel reaches the doorway first and peers inside, his eyes widening in surprise. )

Engel: "Guys... you need to see this."

Pedro: "Is that like a..... Sort of Dorm ? Who could live there ?"

( The group follows Engel into the room, their eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the dorm-like environment in front of them. )

Claire ( her voice tinged with curiosity ): "It's... a dorm? But who could be living here? And why in the basement?"

( Engel shakes his head, equally baffled by the mysterious setup. He glances around the room, taking in the details. )

Engel: "I have no idea. It's like someone's set up a dorm down here. But who in their right mind would live in a basement?"

( Suddenly, we saw what seem to be a girl running away and then she returned with two boys, mostly her friends )

???: "Look, dudes. They're real. They're not like mutations like we saw almost every day here."

Me: "What ?"

( The sound of someone speaking suddenly draws the group's attention, and they look in the direction of the origin of the voice. They see three figures entering the room - a girl followed by two boys. As the girl speaks, her words leave the group confused and intrigued. )

Claire ( her voice laced with a hint of surprise ): "M... Mutations? What's she talking about?"

??? ( 2 ): "Yeah, since quite some time, we saw mutations renning around below the school and let's say, they're not pretty to see."

??? ( 3 ): "By the way, my name is Oliver. The girl , right here, is Zip and just next to me is kind of our " chemical lover ", Edward. We kind of almost live here quite some time."

( The group listens intently to Oliver introducing himself and the others, their minds trying to wrap around the concept of 'mutations' and the fact that these students have been living in the basement for an uncertain period. )

Engel ( his voice tinged with curiosity and worry ): "Mutations... and you've been down here for a while? How long exactly?"

Zip: "Well, Dude. Maybe after we end up here, one or two years ago. Our only way to have food was either eating the leftovers or trying to go steal from up there."

( The group is stunned by Zip's revelation, their eyes widening in shock. Engel, Claire, Lana, and Abbie exchange surprised glances, the realization sinking in. )

Engel: "Wait... you mean you've been living down here for at least a year or two? And you've just been surviving on leftovers and occasional food thefts from upstairs?"

Edward: "Well, it was that or letting ourselves starve."

( Edward's blunt response reinforces the desperate and tough conditions these students have been living under for who knows how long. Engel shakes his head, a mixture of disappointment and incredulity on his face. )

Engel: "That's... unimaginable. Living like this, hidden away in the basement, eating just leftovers and stealing for survival. It's like you've been locked away from the world."

Pedro: "Okay, uh... Oliver, Edward and Zip, right ? You said there's mutations roaming around the areas but... Did you know where they came from ?"

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip nod, their expressions turning serious as they answer his question. Oliver speaks up, his voice somewhat grave. )

Oliver: "Yeah, we've had some encounters with the mutations. We don't know exactly where they're coming from, but they seem to be lurking around the lower levels of the school, especially in the area we call the Abandoned Wing."

Abbie: "But... uh... Is that already happened that those mutations reached close to your dorm ?"

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip exchange a knowing look, as if recalling past encounters with the mutations. Oliver nods, a hint of unease in his voice. )

Oliver: "Unfortunately, yes. A few times, the mutations have gotten too close to our dorm. They somehow seem to sense our presence and occasionally wander into this part of the basement."

Engel: "And how did you managed to make sure they don't reach you ?"

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip share a look of grim determination, their minds recalling the various methods they've used to protect themselves. )

Edward: "Well, we've set up a few makeshift defenses around the room. Pitfalls, barriers, stuff to keep them at bay. And when things get really dicey, we have to rely on... other methods."

Lana: "Like what ?"

( The mood in the room turns even more serious as Oliver, Edward, and Zip hesitate to answer Lana's question, their expressions conflicted. They exchange glances, as if weighing how much they should reveal. )

Oliver: "... Let's just say we've had to get creative to defend ourselves. Sometimes... the mutations don't respond to ordinary methods. We've had to resort to more... drastic measures."

Pedro "And if Edward is a chemical lover, should we assume that it's thanks to him if you had additional items to defend yourselves against those things ?"

( Oliver and Zip exchange a knowing glance at his astute observation. Edward nods, confirming Pedro's assumption. )

Edward: "Yeah, you've got it right. My knowledge of chemistry has come in handy more than once. I've managed to concoct a few makeshift weapons and deterrents using common chemicals and materials we've scavenged down here."

Zip: "Still, now that I think about it... Recently, during my scavenging, I noticed someone sending some other students to a large metal door.. The most recent one was a certain... Bubble, I think..." ( Pedro, Engel, Lana, abbie and Claire stopped, knowing that we found her dorm been open and Bubble been taken )

( Zip's report of students being sent to a large metal door raises a red flag for Pedro and the others. Your eyes widen in realization at the mention of Bubble's name. )

Claire ( her voice laced with worry ): "Wait... you saw someone sending students to a metal door? And one of them was... Bubble? When was this?"

( Oliver's and Edward's expressions grow even more grave as they see the sudden shift in your group's demeanor. Oliver nods, his voice slightly strained. )

Oliver: "Yes, that's right. We've seen students being escorted to the metal door. It's... not a pleasant sight. There's something about that door that's... odd. And Bubble being taken there... it's troubling."

Pedro: "Well, in case you don't know yet. There's a new math teacher here, Miss Circle, we spot her having a call for someone and, strangely, she mentionned a lab just below the school, in other words, the location we're here right now."

( Surprise and disbelief flicker across Oliver, Edward, and Zip's faces at his revelation. Oliver raises an eyebrow in concern, his voice laced with suspicion. )

Oliver: "A new math teacher named Miss Circle, you say? And she mentioned a lab. That's intriguing... and concerning. Did she happen to say anything else about that lab?"

Lana: "She said also to the person behind the call that they could use the corpse of Miss Scissors for their experiments."

( The mood among the group grows even more grim as Lana's words sink in. Oliver, Edward, and Zip exchange shocked and horrified glances, processing the sinister revelation of Miss Circle's intentions. )

Edward: "Wait... She's planning to use Miss Scissors' corpse for experiments? That's... utterly horrific. What sort of experiments are they planning to do...?"

Pedro "Don't know but not something good that's for sure."

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip nod in agreement, their expressions darkening further at his ominous guess. Oliver's voice takes on a grim tone as he speaks up. )

Oliver: "You're right, it definitely doesn't sound like anything good. The fact that they want to use Miss Scissors' corpse for experiments... it's beyond messed up. I've got a bad feeling about this, guys. Like, a really bad one."

Zip: "We manage to find some alternative entrances in that " Lab " but until Edward didn't finish his device to trick the security of that place, we just can't enter it, dudes."

( Edward nods in confirmation, a focused determination in his eyes. )

Edward: "That's right. I've been working on a device to bypass the security measures in the lab, but it's taking time. The security is extremely fortified there, and I have to be very precise with my work. That lab... it's almost like they're trying to keep something... important hidden down there."

Engel: "And what kind of things are lacking to finish that device ?"

( Edward rubs his chin, considering the question for a moment before answering. He begins listing the items needed to complete his device. )

Edward: "I need a few specific components to finalize the device. A microcontroller, a few resistors, some diodes, a small battery, and a radio frequency module. These parts should allow me to create a frequency disruption device that can bypass the lab's security measures. Unfortunately, we're currently missing most of these components."

( Pedro turns to Engel, Abbie, Claire and Lana )

Pedro: "Where's Kevin when we need him ?

( His question prompts the group to exchange glances. Engel, Claire, Abbie, and Lana ponder for a moment before Engel speaks up. )

Engel: "Kevin... He's the one who's a bit of a tech whiz, right? Yeah, he'd probably be a big help in this situation. But the question is... where is he...?"

( Suddenly, we hear Kevin, Robby and Lizzy, for some reason, end up falling in the wet floor, just like me and my friends end up falling after we took the slide )

Pedro: "What a coincidence."

( The sound of Kevin, Robby, and Lizzy's sudden arrival, coupled with their wet landing on the floor, causes everyone to turn in their direction. Engel, Claire, Lana, Abbie, and you exchange surprised glances, a mix of relief and confusion on their faces. )

Engel: "Kevin?! Robby?! Lizzy?! How the hell did you guys end up here?!"

Robby: "Well, me and Kevin were looking for you guys since you kind of disappeared. As for Lizzy, she followed us."

( Kevin, Robby, and Lizzy struggle to regain their bearings, their clothes soaked and their hair dripping with water. Kevin rubs his head, still a bit stunned from the sudden fall. )

Kevin: "We had no idea where you guys went. It was like you vanished into thin air. So, we figured we'd try to find you. And then Lizzy showed up and insisted on coming as well..."

Pedro: "And how did you know there was a button that activated the trap door setting you here ?"

( Kevin takes a moment to compose himself, still trying to process what just happened. Robby chimes in, a hint of sheepishness in his voice. )

Robby: "Uhhh, we kind of... stumbled upon the button by complete accident. We were trying to explore the area and ended up finding it. And, well... we just pressed it out of curiosity. We didn't expect it to activate a trap door."

Lana: "Hey, they did the same thing as me."

Abbie: "Uh... Well, we just met the three students living here. Oliver, Edward and Zip are their names."

( Interest flickers across Kevin, Robby, and Lizzy's faces as they learn of the trio of students living in the basement. Kevin raises an eyebrow, a curious note in his voice. )

Kevin: "Oliver, Edward, and Zip, huh? They've been living down here in the basement this whole time?"

Zip: "Yeah, dudes and gal. For around one / two years already."

( Kevin, Robby, and Lizzy's eyes widen in surprise and concern at the revelation of Zip's statement. Lizzy's voice takes on a hint of disbelief, her expression reflecting a mix of surprise and worry. )

Lizzy: "One or two years?! They've been living in the basement for that long? That's insane... How have they been managing?"

Edward: "By scavaging and sometimes going up there to take some provisions. It was either that or starving."

( Robby and Lizzy share an appalled look, their expressions mirroring Kevin's shock and concern. )

Robby: "Damn... that's rough. Surviving off scraps and sneaking up there for supplies... They've been living like rats, just to survive. It's unbelievable."

Lizzy: "And to think, they've been living down here all this time without anyone knowing..."

Oliver: "Still, we received additional informations about this metal door. It seems to be a lab, from what.... Your names ?"

Claire: "Oh yes, we forgot. My name is Claire. Here is Pedro. The boy with the feathers on his head is Engel, the girl with the puppet sockets on her hands is Lana and the nervous boy is Abbie."

Abbie: "He... Heeeey..."

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip acknowledge the introductions with nods, their expressions softening a bit as they take in the names and unique characteristics of your group. Oliver speaks up, his interest piqued. )

Oliver: "Alright, got it. Nice to meet you all. ( he turns towards Kevin, Robby and Lizzy ) Yeah, Pedro, Claire and their friends told us that this metal door in this area led to a lab and they had this info by listening a call from someone to Miss Circle, the math teacher"

Robby: "A lab... that's creepy..."

Kevin: "And if this 'Miss Circle' is the one giving orders... she must be involved in the experiments happening in there."

( From Miss Circle's side, she was looking for something that can replaces her lost left arm until she found a big compass )

( As Miss Circle searches for a replacement for her lost left arm, her eyes suddenly fall on a large compass that had been lying disregarded in the corner of her office. A sinister smile curled her lips as she carefully picked up the compass, examining it closely. )

Miss Circle: "Ah... this might just work," ( she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement and something more. )

( Without hesitation, Miss Circle forcefully implants the compass into her left arm, the action accompanied by a sickening crunch and a pained grimace on her face. As she forced the compass into place, replacing her lost limb, she let out a guttural cry of both agony and determination. )

Miss Circle: "Aghhh... hah... hah..." ( Her breathing is labored, her body shaking with pain and effort. )

( The sound of the compass arm's extremities clacking together echoes through the room, the noise sharp and distinctive in the silence. Miss Circle's laughter escalates into a manic, almost deranged cackle, filling the room with a disconcerting sense of madness. Minutes later, she's roaming the hallways with her hand and her compass arm behind her back Miss Circle strolled through the halls with an air of confidence, her compass arm concealed behind her back and her hand swinging casually at her side. Her movements were smooth, her gait almost predatory as she made her way through the hallways, seemingly on a mission. )

Chapter 6: The Lab part 1

Summary:

Sixth chapter when we discover the lab.

Chapter Text

( From Pedro's side, Zip came back with Kevin for finding a lot of the things Edward needs for his device to pass the security of the lab )

( As Zip returns with Kevin, their arms laden with the components Edward had requested, they find your group standing nearby, waiting expectantly. Edward's eyes widen with excitement as he sets eyes on the acquired items. )

Edward: "You found it all? Perfect! Come here, let me see what we have here..."

Pedro: "Is that everything ?"

( Edward quickly sorts through the items, checking off each one on the list in his head. A satisfied smile spreads across his face as he confirms that everything they need is indeed accounted for. )

Edward: "Yep, that's everything. You guys did great. With these components, I should be able to finish the device in no time."

( Engel saw that Robby has with him the tv head that for now is Ruby )

Engel: "Really, you also brought Ruby with you ?"

( Engel's mention of the TV head, Ruby, catches Robby's attention, and he can't help but chuckle as he holds it up in response. )

Robby: "Yeah, figured it couldn't hurt to bring it along. Never know when we might need it, right?"

Lizzy: "Say, didn't you and Kevin said that rubby lacks a voice box and a sort of device to give her a body and voice and make her complete ?"

( Kevin and Robby exchange a knowing look, recalling the previous discussion. Kevin nods, confirming Lizzy's question. )

Kevin: "Yeah, you're right. We did mention that. Ruby's voice box and the device needed to give her a body are still missing. Those are crucial components to make her fully functional."

( Hearing that, Edward had an idea for the voice box and the device for Ruby to have a body. which for Edward doesn't seem as hard than his device to pass the lab's security )

( Edward's resourceful mind begins to process the information, gears turning as he considers the new challenge. The mention of the voice box and device needed for Ruby prompts a thoughtful expression on his face. The gears in his mind whir to life, already starting to formulate a plan. After a moment, Edward speaks up, determination in his voice. )

Edward: "I think I might have an idea for the voice box and the body device for Ruby. It might actually be easier than my device for the lab security."

Lana: "Really ? How so ?"

( Edward nods, a confident smile spreading across his face as he begins to explain his thoughts. )

Edward: "The voice box shouldn't be too difficult. I can repurpose some common components and some electronics to makeshift it. As for the body device, there's a possibility we can utilize some scrap materials and parts lying around here to construct a simple, functional body for her. It won't be anything fancy, but it should be enough for her to function."

( Time passes as Edward works diligently on the necessary components for Ruby, his skilled hands moving with practiced precision. The other members of the group watch on curiously, some offering occasional assistance, but mostly allowing Edward to focus. )

Kevin: "How's it going, Edward? Making any progress?"

( Edward glances up momentarily, acknowledging Kevin's question without taking his focus off his work. )

Edward: "It's coming along. I'm almost done with the voice box. Just need to make a few adjustments to the circuitry. As for the body device, I've started gathering some parts that should work. It'll be a makeshift body, but it'll serve its purpose."

Oliver: "Told you he was good."

( Oliver's comment brings a slight smile to Edward's face as he continues working, working on the voice box with nimble fingers. )

Edward: "Just doing my part. I've always had a knack for this sort of thing. Building things, figuring out how they work, that's my forte."

Pedro: "Yeah... Still... Robby, Kevin and Lizzy.... There's a reason why me , Claire, Engel, Lana and Abbie wanted Oliver, Zip and Edward's help... ( he inhales ) they may have seen Bubble dragged by someone into the lab."

( The revelation causes a ripple of concern to run through the group. Robby, Kevin, and Lizzy exchange worried glances, their earlier nonchalance replaced by a mix of worry and determination. )

Robby: "Wait, you're saying Bubble was taken into the lab? That's not good..."

Kevin: "Do you have any idea where she is now? Or what they're doing to her in there?"

Engel: "We don't know but knowing that during all this time that oliver , Zip and Edward lived here, they enconter mutations, surely not something good."

( The mention of mutations brings back unpleasant memories for Edward, Oliver, and Zip, their expressions darkening at the recollection of their encounters with the sinister creatures. Oliver is the first to respond, a grim expression on his face. )

Oliver: "Yeah... We've seen those mutations firsthand. They're not nice. And if Bubble is in there with them..."

Pedro: "Still... one thing is sure, once we'll manage to enter the lab, we can't go back until we found Bubble and maybe the other persons trapped in there if there are others."

( A determined nod passes through the group. The thought of Bubble, potentially in danger, and the potential presence of other trapped persons, ignites a sense of urgency within them. Everyone's resolve hardens, each one ready to step into the lab and face whatever awaits them. )

Oliver: "You're right. We can't afford to back down now. We go in, we find Bubble and anyone else stuck in there, and we get them out. No matter what."

( After Edward finishes his work, he's now going to instal the voice box and the body device on Ruby )

( Edward finishes his final adjustments to the voice box and body device, a sense of contentment on his face. He holds both components gingerly, ready to incorporate them into Ruby. )

Edward: "All right, I've finished both the voice box and body device. Let's get Ruby up and running, shall we?"

( He then install the two devices on Ruby's tv head and we saw the screen in static until a robotic body is constructing into our bare eyes and once the body done, the screen of the tv head took the form of the eyes and mouth of Ruby as she made her first sound thanks to the voice box and looks at herself )

( Edward, the others, and you watch as the devices are connected to Ruby's television head. A moment of suspense fills the air as the screen flickers to life, static slowly giving way to clarity. The body device completes its construction process, forming into the form of a robotic body. Suddenly, the screen of the head becomes a digital representation of Ruby's eyes and mouth. The sound of the voice box comes to life, and Ruby lets out her first sound. Everyone's gazes are fixed on her, astonishment and excitement written across their faces. )

Edward: "She's alive ! ALIVE !" ( Kevin and Robby approached Ruby, knowing they were both behind her creation ,at least her tv head )

( Ruby's digital eyes seemed to focus on Kevin and Robby, her internal systems processing their presence. A moment of silence filled the room as she scanned them, analyzing their features. Then, as if the recognition clicked in her circuits, a soft, familiar yet robotic voice emanated from her. )

Ruby: "Kevin... Robby. I recognize you."

( Kevin and Robby's eyes widen in both relief and joy as Ruby utters their names, her voice tinged with a hint of an electronic tone. Their faces split into wide, genuine smiles, the sight of their creation speaking and recognizing them bringing a wave of emotion. )

Robby: "She remembered us... she really remembered us."

Pedro: "Uh, hey, Ruby... We are..." ( Ruby scanned me, Claire, Abbie, Lana, Engel, Oliver, Edward, Zip and Lizzy as she saved our names in her system )

( Ruby's attention now turned to your group, her digital eyes flickering as she analyzed each of you in turn. Her internal systems quickly processed your features and appearances, committing your names to memory. Once the process was completed, her voice piped up again, with a subtle trace of new recognition in her tone. )

Ruby: "Pedro, Claire, Abbie, Lana, Engel, Oliver, Edward, Zip, Lizzy. I have stored your names and appearances in my memory."

Pedro: "Oh, okay. That means we won't waste our time introducing ourselves then."

( Edward chuckled at your comment, the others joining in. Even Ruby's digital eyes seemed to glean with a faint hint of what could be perceived as amusement. )

Edward: "That's true. You've streamlined the introductions process now that Ruby knows our names. Saves us some time for sure."

( Ruby then scanned the metal door and the alternative entrances of the lab at the distance, as she saw the students who have been taken, including Bubble )

( Ruby's eyes flicked towards the metal door that led to the lab, and then shifted to the alternative entrances, her digital eyes diligently absorbing the information within her database. Her analysis extended further, scanning the distance and reaching the students who had been taken, including Bubble. A pang of concern seemed to cross her synthetic expression as she processed the situation at hand. )

Abbie: "Uh.. Did you see something inside the lab, Ruby ?"

( Ruby's digital eyes remained focused for a moment longer, but at Abbie's question, her attention shifted. She turned her gaze toward Abbie, a slight sense of confirmation in her tone. )

Ruby: "Affirmative. I have processed the available visual input. I saw students taken into the lab and, among them, I identified... Bubble."

( She then also mentionned Cobbie, Skell, Riley and Petunia, Lizzy's friend. The mention of Petunia made Lizzy stopped )

( Seeing Lizzy's reaction, the rest of the group exchanged sympathetic glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. The mention of Petunia, in particular, had clearly hit a nerve with her. The mood became noticeably more serious, as the weight of their friends' safety and the students' unknown fate in the lab loomed over them all. )

( Edward, noticing the shift in atmosphere, placed a comforting hand on Lizzy's shoulder in silent support, offering a reassuring presence. )

Edward: "We'll find a way to get them out of there... and Petunia, too. We won't leave them behind."

( Later we all arrive close to the alternate entrance to the lab as Edward begin to use the device to pas its security system. )

( The group cautiously approaches the alternate entrance of the lab, the tension in the air palpable. Edward leads the way, his gaze resolute and focused on the task at hand. With the security device in his hands, Edward positions himself in front of the door and begins the process of deciphering the lab's security system, his fingers working diligently and swiftly on the device's controls. )

( Time seemed to crawl as Edward concentrated on cracking the lab's security system, his eyebrows furrowed in determination. The others watched him with baited breath, the sense of anticipation and worry growing with each passing moment. Finally, a beeping sound emitted from the security device, and Edward's eyes lit up as he succeeded in overriding the security measures guarding the entrance. )

Pedro: "Did it worked ?"

( Edward nodded in response, a small smile of satisfaction on his face. He adjusted the device in his hands, the security system now successfully bypassed. )

Edward: "Yeah, it worked. We're in, the security system's been bypassed. We can enter the lab now."

( They entered )

Pedro: "Oh my god.. ( He turns to Oliver, Edward, Zip, Ruby, Robbie, Kevin Lizzy, Engel, Claire, Abbie and Lana before looking around again ) What kind of place is this ? Is it supposed to be a lab or an high-tech prison or asylum ?"

( As the group enters the lab, they take in the unusual sight before them. The place, lit by a dim, sterile light, seems to blur the line between a lab and a high-security facility. The atmosphere, heavy with an unsettling sense of containment and confinement, leaves an eerie impression. Engel, Oliver, Edward, Zip, and the others also regard their surroundings, the question of the lab's nature lingering in their minds. )

Engel: "It's like a mix of a lab and a prison... or maybe even an asylum. There's something... off about this place."

( A shared shiver ran through the group, the eerie ambiance of the lab adding to the sense of unease that clung to the air. The sterile, dim lighting, combined with the prison-like elements and the potential asylum-like features, created an environment that defied clear categorization and felt distinctly wrong. )

Claire: "Whatever it is, it's definitely not a pleasant place... It gives me the creeps just being here."

( We then hear weird noises as I instinctly took a metal bar )

( The eerie silence was suddenly shattered as strange noises echoed from further within the lab. Instinctively, Pedro's hand reached out, picking up a nearby metal bar, a defensive stance in place. The others tensed, their senses on high alert, trying to discern the origin of the unsettling sounds that permeated the lab's ambience. )

( We move as Ruby is following the vibrations of the sounds thanks to her system )

( As the group moved forward, guided by the unsettling sounds and the faint vibrations they produced, they were accompanied by Ruby. Her sensors and systems, finely attuned to the environment, helped her pinpoint the source of the disturbances. The vibrations resonated through the lab's metallic corridors, and Ruby's internal programming was diligently processing the sensory data, guiding their path and leading them closer to the source of the mysterious noises. We then arrive to a door and with some strength, Ruby opens the door and we all enter what seem at first to be a replica of a neighbourhood. The metal door swings open with a loud creak, revealing an unexpected sight beyond it. The group enters, their eyes widening as they find themselves in a large area, which at first glance appears as a replica of a neighborhood. The sight is both unexpected and jarring, the contrast to the sterile laboratory they had just left causing confusion and intrigue within the group. The music in that room was a weird carnival music until one of the replicas of a house blows away and we see a large figure with long arms and long legs and its face has grotesque large grin. It was one of the mutations and its sound looked like a distorted laugh. The carnival-like music playing in the background abruptly changes to a distorted, unsettling laughter as one of the replica houses in the "neighborhood" is suddenly destroyed, giving way to the monstrous figure that emerges from within. The mutation, a grotesque being with long arms and legs, and a face twisted with a grotesque, extended grin, stood before the shocked group. The once-festive atmosphere instantly shifted into a nightmare as the horrifying creature let out its chilling, unnatural laugh. )

Zip: "The heck is that thing ?"

( The question hung in the air, the terror and perplexity in the group palpable as they attempted to process the sight before them. The mutation stood tall and menacing, its long limbs and distorted facial features only adding to the nightmarish quality of the encounter. )

Edward: "I... have no idea. But whatever it is, it's definitely not friendly."

Abbie: Eeeep, it's coming at us !

( Abbie's panicked cry snapped the group out of their initial shock. The grotesque figure was in fact starting to move, slowly approaching them with its long, lanky limbs. )

Lizzy: "Holy crap, it's moving! Everyone, back away!"

( We dodged the attack as I use the metal bar on it )

( Instinctively, the group dodged the mutation's attack, narrowly avoiding a direct confrontation. Pedro, quick on his feet, seized the opportunity and swiftly counterattacked with the metal bar in hand. The metallic bar connected with the mutant, causing it to recoil momentarily, emitting another distorted, screeching sound in response. )

Pedro: "Seems like we have to fight this thing if we want to continue."

( A mix of resolve and determination crossed the group's faces as they realized the necessity of facing the monster head-on. Pedro's words echoed in their minds, an unspoken understanding forming among them. )

Engel: "Looks like we have no choice. We have to take this thing down to proceed."

( Ruby then analyses the mutant to find weak points )

( Ruby, her systems focused and diligently analyzing the mutant, quickly initiated an evaluation of the monstrous creature. Her advanced optical sensors scanned the mutation, identifying potential weak points and vulnerabilities within its form. )

Ruby: "Analyzing target... weak points detected in the legs and head regions."

( As Ruby shared her analysis, the group's eyes sharpened, their focus shifting towards the weak points she had identified. The mention of the legs and head as the targets added a sense of hope, giving them a strategy to work with. )

Edward: "Legs and head it is. Let's focus our attacks on those areas!"

( Hope you have weapons there. Just me won't be enough against it )

( The others exchanged brief glances, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness. They quickly assessed their arsenal, realizing that indeed they were lacking in weapons, leaving Pedro as the only one with a metal bar at hand for defense. )

Claire: "Damn, we're not very well-equipped for this."

( Claire's observation struck a chord among the group. With their lack of adequate weaponry, they were in a vulnerable position against the imposing mutation. The realization only heightened the sense of urgency and danger they faced. )

Lizzy: "Yeah, we need something more than just that metal bar!"

( Suddenly, Edward, Kevin and Robby had an idea after observing around them; crafting their own weapons )

( Edward, Kevin, and Robby, their minds quick and resourceful, began looking around their surroundings, brainstorming ideas for makeshift weaponry. With determination, they quickly identified potential materials and resources that could be used to craft something effective. )

Edward: "Wait, I've got an idea!"

Engel: "What is it ?"

( Edward's eyes lit up with a spark of ingenuity as he explained his idea, a plan beginning to take shape in his mind. )

Edward: "We can use some of this stuff laying around here and create makeshift weaponry. Things like pipes, sharp pieces of scrap metal, even some thick, heavy poles could work as decent improvised weapons."

( Robby and Kevin nodded in agreement, their eyes already scanning the surroundings in search of useful materials, their thoughts aligning with Edward's strategy. The others watched with curiosity and anticipation, their hopes rising as they realized that they had a chance to even the playing field against the powerful mutant. )

Claire: "That could actually work. We just need to find the right materials and put something together quick."

( When I dodge another attack of the mutant )

Pedro: "Quick then, I need help here !"

( As Pedro evaded another onslaught from the mutant, a sense of urgency filled the air. Edward, Kevin, and Robby, spurred into action, quickly shifted their focus to their respective tasks, scavenging the area for materials that could be fashioned into weapons. Each picked up heavy pipes, sharp pieces of scrap, and everything that looked sturdy, all while keeping an eye on Pedro's ongoing struggle against the menacing creature. )

( They manage to create enough self crafted weapons for them and my friends to help me )

( With speed and determination, Edward, Kevin, and Robby managed to cobble together sufficient makeshift weapons from the available materials. The group, now equipped with a variety of pipes, sharp scraps, and heavy poles, felt a twinge more confident, their chances of facing the mutant seemingly improved. The time they spent crafting the weaponry was well worth it, the fruits of their work now in their hands as they joined the fray, standing beside Pedro. )

Pedro: "It's about time..."

( Pedro's voice held a mix of relief and determination as he saw his friends join him, the new weapons lending a renewed sense of hope to the battle. He was grateful for their assistance and the additional firepower they brought to the fight. )

( We then fight this thing while avoiding its attacks )

( The group engaged in a fierce battle against the mutant, each member wielding their makeshift weapons with precision and focus. They dodged and countered its attacks, their blows connecting against its body, creating a chaotic and chaotic exchange of blows. The sound of metal striking flesh mingled with their strained breaths, the atmosphere charged with a sense of desperation and adrenaline. )

( From Miss Circle's side, in her class, she was doing her class while the students seem extremely intimidated by her, mostly because of her compass arm. )

( Miss Circle stood at the front of the class, her presence imposing and commanding. The students in her classroom, mostly younger children, sat in their seats with a mix of uneasiness and curiosity, their gazes often shifting towards her compass arm. The atmosphere in the class was a blend of fear and respect, the students acutely aware of the air of authority that emanated from Miss Circle. )

Miss Circle: "Like you see, Class, I had some new.... asset but other thing. I'll be less forgiving if you failed my class. Otherwise... Let's say the punishment wil be quite...Fatal." ( the extremities of her compass arm clack loudly ti each other )

( A collective shiver ran through the spines of the students, the clacking sound of the compass arm's extremities creating a chilling echo in the room. Miss Circle's words rang through the air, her voice a combination of sternness and power. The students, already intimidated by her presence, now felt a sense of dread at the mention of "punishment" and the hint of fatality that underpinned her words. This class was clearly a place of obedience and potential danger. )

( Miss Circle's gaze swept across the class, taking in the range of reactions from the students. Her compass arm clacked once more, a reminder of her authority, as she continued to address the class. )

Miss Circle: "I hope, for your sake, that no one fails. The consequences, as I've made clear, would be... severe. Now, let's begin the lesson."

( While she continues her lesson ) Student ( 1 ): ( whispering ) What's happening to her ? Since she lost her left arm, she become more severe.

( A student in the classroom leaned slightly towards a friend, his voice a hushed whisper, curiosity and confusion in his words. The mention of her missing left arm and the change in her personality drew concerned murmurs from a few students around them, as if they, too, sensed a shift in Miss Circle since her injury. )

Student 2: ( whispers back ) "I've heard... she had an accident, lost an arm, and now she's like this... harsher, stricter."

Student 3 ( whispering ): "But why a compass arm to replace her lost arm ?"

( A third student leaned closer, continuing the whispered conversation, his voice tinged with curiosity. The question about Miss Circle's replacement arm sparked a flicker of intrigue within the group, as their gaze discreetly darted towards the compass arm, the strange choice for a prosthetic. )

Student 4: ( whispers back ) "I wonder about that too. Why a compass arm? Seems odd..."

Miss Circle: "You four ! Did I gave you permission to chat in MY CLASS !!! ( she then hit hard her desk with her compass arm, breaking the desk completely )"

( Startled, the four students who had been whispering in conversation froze abruptly as Miss Circle's voice rang out, her irritation apparent. The sound of the desk shattering under the force of her compass arm sent a jolt of fear through the class. The once-whispered conversation ended in an instant, replaced by a stunned silence as they all stared at the remains of the broken desk, their eyes wide and filled with trepidation. )

Student 1: "S... Sorry, Miss Circle."

( The student who had been whispering moments ago, now visibly shaken, quickly offered an apology, his voice shaky as he tried to appease Miss Circle. The atmosphere in the room remained tense, the broken desk serving as a stark reminder of the teacher's temper and authority. )

Miss Circle: "Sorry doesn't cut it. You interrupted my class. You should know better by now."

( They see one of the extremities of Miss Circle's compass arm pulling out a pointed metal blade )

( As the class watched, a chilling sight unfolded before them. One of the extremities of Miss Circle's compass arm extended, revealing a pointed metal blade, its sharp gleam a sinister threat. The weapon-like feature added a new level of menace to her already intimidating presence, leaving the students in a state of shocked silence and fear, their eyes trained on the now-dangerous appendage. )

( Miss Circle's gaze remained fixed on the students, a dangerous glint in her eyes as she observed their reactions. The metal blade gleamed ominously from the compass arm, a threat in its own right. The students, their hearts pounding in their chests, felt as if the very air in the room has grown oppressive, a dark aura hanging over them. )

Miss Circle: ( taking a wood sphere ) "Next time, I hear any of you interrupting my class again...." ( she plants the metal blade of her compas arm on the wood sphere, piercing it before it cuts into two pieces )

( The students watched in horror as Miss Circle picked up a wood sphere and placed the metal blade of her compass arm against it. The blade sank into the wood, effortlessly splitting it in two, the act speaking volumes about the strength and precision of the compass arm. The message was clear; disobedience would result in painful consequences. )

Chapter 7: The Lab part 2

Summary:

this seventh chapter continues in the lab.

Chapter Text

( From Pedro's side with his friends, they manage to send the mutant inside another replica of an house in this replica of a neighbourhood. But when the mutant goes out they saw it changed into a sort of wendigo )

( As the mutant emerged from the house, what was once a grotesque creature had transformed, now resembling a terrifying wendigo-like figure. The once-recognizable features had morphed into something more sinister and inhuman, the creature's change in appearance leaving his group stunned and on edge. )

Pedro: "Did it just... Became a wendigo ?"

( Shock filled the air as the transformation took place, the sight of the creature morphing into a wendigo-like figure leaving Pedro and his friends stunned and confused. The sudden change in the mutant's appearance was both baffling and a cause for concern. )

Engel: "Yes, it did... What the hell is happening?"

Zip: "Dude, the one in that lab behind this creature is messed up."

( Zip's words hung in the air, the truth behind them sinking in for your group. The transformation of the creature and its apparent connection to the lab behind them only deepened the mystery and unease surrounding this entire situation. )

Claire: "The lab's involvement in all this... it's messed up, no doubt about it."

( Suddenly by seeing the wendigo approaching, Pedro have some flashes from the past when when he was a baby, a sort of human / wendigo hybrid had on its hands a completelu eaten corpse of a baby, his old brother. His friends saw that he's lost in those flashbacks, worrying for him as they saw the wendigo coming at us fast )

( As the wendigo approached, Pedro began experiencing sudden, intense flashbacks to a traumatic memory from his past. The vivid image of the human/wendigo hybrid holding the corpse of a baby, his old brother, flooded his mind, the horrific sight leaving him momentarily paralyzed in distress. )

Claire: "Whoa, Pedro, are you alright?"

Abbie: ( seeing the wendigo approaching them fast ) "Uh... Pedro can you snap out of it, please ?"

( Abbie's voice, filled with urgency, tried to snap him out of his flashback, the realization that the wendigo was closing in on them all. His friends' voices began to cut into his consciousness, pulling him back to the present danger. )

Engel: "Man, snap out of it, Pedro! It's coming!"

Oliver: "Pedro, get out of here." ( he pushed Pedro aside but by making him dodge the wendigo attack, Oliver's left arm is cut by the claws of the creature, a cry of pain escaping him. )

Edward: "Oh, man. Oliver, your arm..."

( Edward's voice held a mix of concern and surprise as he noticed the blood staining Oliver's arm, the result of the creature's attack. The rest of the group's gazes also focused on Oliver's injury, their worry for their injured friend growing by the second. )

( Pedro snaps out of it ) Pedro: "Uh ? What ? ( He saw what's going on ) Oh crud..."

( Pedro suddenly became aware of his surroundings once more, the horrific vision from his flashback replaced by the reality of the present situation. The sight before him was a mess; Oliver clutching his bleeding arm, the wendigo still closing in, and his friends visibly alarmed and worried about what was happening. Edward, driven by desperation and a sense of urgency, made an unusual decision. He quickly took a pencil and attempted to use it to replace Oliver's left arm, a makeshift and unorthodox effort to address Oliver's injury. Pedro then uses the metal bar by throwing it and it pierces the torso of the wendigo when it was approaching us again )

( In a swift moment, he hurled the metal bar with precision, aiming at the wendigo that was closing in on him once more. The metal bar flew through the air with force, piercing the creature's torso upon impact. The wendigo let out a pained howl, momentarily halted in its tracks by the unexpected attack. Edward, with a mixture of caution and determination, carefully pushed the pencil further into Oliver's cut arm, ensuring it was properly in place. Oliver, despite the pain, kept his gaze fixed on his arm, his eyes widened in a mix of surprise and disbelief as he took in the sight of his new, pencil-based prosthetic limb. )

Zip: "Dude... You sure you'll be okay with that ?"

( Zip's worried question hung in the air, directed at Oliver who was examining his newly constructed pencil arm. The makeshift nature of his new limb certainly raised concerns, but Oliver, a glimmer of resilience in his eyes, responded with a determined nod. )

Oliver: "Yeah... I'll be okay. It's not ideal, but it'll work for now."

( In an unexpected turn of events, Pedro grappled with the metal bar piercing the wendigo's torso, attempting to push it deeper. However, with a sudden snap, the bar snapped in two, sending him falling to the ground along with the now-disarmed wendigo. In that very moment, the wendigo's unfortunate position left its head directly in the path of Oliver's newfound pencil arm, which struck the creature with surprising precision and force. )

( Oliver stood there, stunned and a bit bewildered after the unexpected turn of events. The sight of the now motionless wendigo, its head impaled by the makeshift pencil arm, left a surreal and darkly comedic impression. After a moment of silent bewilderment, Oliver withdrew the arm, a mix of amazement and slight disgust crossing his face as he examined it. )

Pedro: "Well, what a mess we just made and it's maybe one among a lot of those things..."

( Pedro looked around, surveying the chaotic scene. Indeed, the aftermath was a mess, with the motionless body of the wendigo lying nearby. The realization that there may be more of these creatures left caused a chill to run down his spine, but his group's resilience seemed unwavering. )

Engel: "I hope this was the only one... but I doubt it."

Claire: "But still... Pedro, what was that ?"

Pedro: "About what ?"

( Claire voiced her concern about Pedro's moment of distraction, referring to the flashback he experienced before Oliver's heroic action in saving him. Lana also turned her attention to him, her gaze reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. )

Lana: "Yeah, what caused that? It was as if you were completely out of it for a moment there."

Pedro: "Oh boy... Sorry guys and... You too, Oliver... It's like.... The sight of this creature opened a former scar I tried to forget..."

( His words hung heavily in the air, the revelation of the traumatic memory that the creature had inadvertently triggered now laid bare for his friends to understand. Engel's expression softened with a hint of empathy, while Oliver, despite his injury, gave a small nod, indicating his understanding and forgiveness. )

Oliver: "No need to apologize, man. We get it."

Pedro: "Just.... Let's jsut find Bubble and the other missing students anf get out of here;.."

( A unanimous agreement settled over the group after his suggestion. The urgency to find the rest of his friends and find a safe way out of this chaotic mess overshadowed any doubts or lingering concerns. Engel nodded in affirmation, his gaze steadfast. )

Engel: "You're right. Let's focus on finding the others and getting out of here. We can't linger here any longer."

( they then move as Ruby, scanning the area, saw that the place where Bubble's and Petunia's cells are are neaby )

( As the group continued their journey, Ruby, with her keen senses and scanning abilities, managed to pinpoint the location of Bubble and Petunia's cells. Her focus and determination were unwavering as she shared the vital information. )

Ruby: "Their cells... they're nearby. I can sense it."

Lana: "Who's cells ?"

( Lana's inquisitive question hung in the air, seeking clarity on the identity of the individuals being referenced. Ruby, as always, provided the necessary information with her calm and analytical demeanor. )

Ruby: "The cells belong to Bubble and Petunia. They're nearby; I've tracked their locations."

( Lizzy directly go to Petunia's cell )

Robby: Hey, Lizzy, wait for us !

Kevin; Yeah, don't go alone like that !

( The others, concerned for Lizzy's safety, tried to rein in her impulsive actions, urging her to wait and not venture off alone. Kevin and Robby called out to her, their voices tinged with a mix of concern and reason, attempting to prevent her from potentially venturing into danger solo. )

Kevin: "Lizzy, hold on! Don't rush off like that."

Robby: "Lizzy, wait for us. It's not safe to go off alone!"

( Lizzy arrived to the cell where Petunia is ) Lizzy; "Petunia, you there ? It's me. ( silence ) Petunia ?"

( Lizzy, upon reaching Petunia's cell, voiced out her presence, calling out for her friend. However, when Petunia emerged from the shadows, the sight before her sent a mild shock through Lizzy's system. Instead of the human girl she was expecting, Petunia now appeared as an anthropomorphic rabbit - a transformation that was both unexpected and jarring. )

Lizzy: "Petunia...? What... happened to you?"

( A mix of confusion and awe filled Lizzy's voice as she took in the sight of her transformed friend. The white ears, the fluffy scut, the long hair, the crown - it was all a stark contrast to the Petunia she had known. However, despite the physical transformation, Lizzy tried her best to compose herself and maintain a calm facade, seeking answers from Petunia about her drastic change. )

( Robby and Kevin reach Lizzy ) Robby: "There you are, Lizzy. You can' t just.... ( he saw Petunia's new appearance ) Wow.."

Kevin: "Is that... ? is that Petunia?"

Lizzy: "Don't.. Don't worry, Petunia. We'll get you out of this cell."

( Lizzy's voice, filled with empathy and determination, reassured Petunia amidst the shock and worry. The sight of her friend trapped in a cell, now transformed into an anthropomorphic rabbit, tugged at Lizzy's heartstrings. Nevertheless, Lizzy's unwavering resolve shone through as she promised to help free Petunia from her confinement. )

( With Robby and Kevin working together, they used a specialized tool to successfully unlock the cell door and swing it open, granting access to Petunia who was inside. The metallic clank of the door opening echoed through the corridor, signaling their success in freeing her from the confines of her cell. )

Robby: "There, got it open."

( Petunia finally stepped out of the cell and into the corridor. Her rabbit ears twitched slightly as she laid her gaze upon Lizzy, Robby, and Kevin, who had been instrumental in her rescue. A mixture of emotions flickered across her face - relief, gratitude, and a hint of uncertainty, as if she was still coming to terms with her new form. )

Petunia: "Lizzy ? Robby ? Kevin ? Why are you here ?"

( Petunia's voice, soft and familiar despite her new bunny-like appearance, spoke in surprise at the sight of Lizzy, Robby, and Kevin. Her eyes widened as she recognized the three of them, puzzlement evident in her expression. )

Lizzy: "We're here to save you, Petunia. We've been searching for you."

( Pedro, Engel, Claire, Abbie, Lana, Ruby, Oliver, Edward and Zip arrived ) Pedro: "Hey, guys, did you saved... ? ( he saw Petunia ) Wow, is that Petunia ?"

( As Pedro and the others approached the scene, the sight of Petunia's transformed state caught your attention. Your question hung in the air for a moment as you took in the sight of the rabbit-like girl who had once been Petunia. )

Lana: "Yeah, it's her. But she looks... different."

Claire: "Yeah, that's a big change right there."

( Claire's comment, tinged with a touch of lightheartedness, highlighted the shocking transformation Petunia had undergone. The group exchanged glances, the situation both bizarre and intriguing as they tried to process the sight before them. )

Engel: "That's an understatement. I barely recognize her."

Abbie; "Uh... Petunia, did it hurt ? I mean... To end up like... This ?"

( Abbie's question, filled with concern, was directed at Petunia with a touch of hesitation. The sight of their friend in this unexpected form led Abbie to wonder about the circumstances that led to her transformation and whether it had been a painful experience. )

Petunia: "It... it was painful, yeah."

Pedro: "We imagine... By the way, Petunia... You recognize Ruby , right ? She was just a tv head before you end up been missing."

( Petunia nodded slowly, a flicker of recognition crossing her face as Pedro mentioned Ruby. Her bunny ears twitching slightly, she turned to look at Ruby, who was standing nearby. The memory of the time before she had been taken and her own transformation seemed like a distant memory. )

Petunia: "Yes, I recognize Ruby. She was.. a TV head, right? Before I...well, became like this."

Kevin: "Technically, It's not a perfect body for Ruby but as far, it did its job."

( Kevin's matter-of-fact comment added a touch of pragmatism to the conversation. The focus shifted for a moment from the emotional and bizarre aspects of Petunia's transformation to the practical implications of Ruby's current state. )

Ruby: "From what I analyzed, Petunia, the reason of your sudden change is due to a lot of chemicals and the traces on your arms and legs confirmed that you struggled to escape the experiment."

( Ruby, in her analytical fashion, provided a detailed explanation based on her analysis and observations. The group turned their attention to her words, soaking in the knowledge of the cause behind Petunia's transformation. Her mention of the traces on Petunia's arms and legs hinted at the struggle she had endured. )

Petunia: "I couldn't do anything... Now,, look at me, I'm a monster.... " ( she's sobbing as Lizzy tried to cheer her up )

( Petunia's lament, filled with despair and self-perception as a "monster," tugged at the heartstrings of the group. Lizzy, empathetic as always, quickly moved to console her, her voice gentle and reassuring. )

Lizzy: "Hey, hey, don't talk about yourself like that. You're not a monster, Petunia. You're still the same person as before, just in a different form."

Pedro: "But right now, Bubble and maybe other missing students are living the same treatment as Petunia as we speak... ( He turns to Ruby ) Bubble's cell shouldn't be that far, right ?"

( His words, filled with concern and determination, shifted the conversation towards the safety and well-being of Bubble and other missing students. He turned to Ruby, hoping for her analytical mind to provide an answer to the question at hand. )

Ruby: "Based on my calculations and the mapping I've created, Bubble's cell should indeed be nearby. We should be able to locate it quite easily from here."

Engel; "Okay but this time, no bold rush. We'll reach Bubble's cell together."

( Engel's words, spoken with a tone of authoritative and caution, seemed to be a call for a more measured approach this time. The group, having experienced the shock of Petunia's transformation, was receptive to Engel's suggestion. )

Oliver: "No more rushing, we're sticking together this time."

( They then move as we hear someone's crying ) Pedro: "It's Bubble. We're close."

( As Pedro and the group moved through the labyrinthine halls, the faint sound of someone crying reached your ears. Bubble's voice, though faint, was recognizable and confirmed that you were getting close to her cell. )

Lana: "That's her... We're almost there."

( They arrived to the cell and after opening it ) Pedro: "Bubble, it's us. You're safe."

( As Bubble turned to face the group, the sight before them was nothing short of shocking and heart-rending. The changes to her once-human form were evident - fluffy white hair that resembled bubbles, without facial features besides her star-shaped pupils, all contributing to an almost alien-like appearance. The group stood in stunned silence before her, their eyes wide as they processed the magnitude of what had been done to her. And yet... despite everything, Bubble's voice, still familiar and sweet, broke the silence, a stark contrast to her now bizarre appearance. )

Abbie: "Uh.. Bubble ? You... Okay ?"

( Abbie's soft voice, filled with concern and worry, broke the silence as he addressed Bubble, seeking to gauge her well-being despite her shocking transformed state. Bubble's gaze shifted towards Abbie, her star-shaped eyes seeming to reflect a mix of emotions. )

Bubble: "I... I'm okay. Well, as okay as one can be after...this."

Lizzy: "But for some reason... You still kept your voice despite not having a mouth anymore."

( Lizzy's observation, spoken aloud, was a curious one. Despite Bubble's lack of mouth and facial features besides her eyes, she still seemed to retain her ability to speak. This puzzled everyone present, an intriguing contrast to the drastic changes she had undergone. )

Petunia: "Yeah... how is that even possible? You have no mouth or anything, but you're still talking."

( Petunia voiced the confusion that was mirrored in the minds of the group. It was a strange contradiction; Bubble, without a mouth or any visible means of forming words, could still speak, her voice clear and familiar. This defied the logical understanding of how speech should work, leaving them with a puzzling mystery. Bubble seemed aware of their confusion and tried her best to explain. )

Bubble: "I... I don't know how it works either, to be honest. It's like I just... can still speak, even without any mouth or anything. It's weird, I know."

Pedro: "I guess only the person behind those experiments knows the answer...."

( The comment from Pedro added another layer of mystery to the situation. It was indeed likely that the person or individuals behind these experiments held the key to the answer, keeping the secrets of how they were able to manipulate both physical forms and even the fundamentals of speech. )

Kevin: "Yeah, unfortunately, it seems like the person responsible for all this is the only one with the answers we need."

Petunia: "Cubbie and Skell are still in their cells...." ( Ruby scans the area and detect Cubbie's and Skell's cell but for that, we have to pass another big room )

( Petunia's words shifted the focus to the two missing students still held captive in their cells. Ruby, ever the analytical one, quickly started scanning the area around them, using her abilities to pinpoint the location of Cubbie and Skell's cells. However, her analysis revealed a new challenge - the path to their cells required traversing through another large room. )

Ruby: "I've located both Cubbie and Skell's cells, but there's a big room in the way that we need to pass through."

Zip: "Dude, how long is this lab ?"

( Zip's exasperated comment spoke for the collective confusion of the group as they tried to make sense of the sprawling layout of the lab. It seemed endless, with numerous rooms, corridors, and chambers filling its vast confines. )

Edward: "For real, it feels like this place is endless. We've been here for a while now and still feel like we're not even halfway through."

Robby: "Urgh.... We have no choice anyway... ( suddenly, a cell door opens and another student lunges on Robby. It was Riley, known to be crazy about knifes ) Wow, wow, Riley, it's just me, Robby."

( The sudden sound of a cell door opening and the sight of Riley, known for their obsession with knives, lunging at Robby, sent a jolt of surprise through the group. Robby, quickly recognizing his friend, tried to calm Riley down, holding his hands in a defensive gesture. )

Robby: "Hey, hey, Riley, it's just me! Chill, buddy!"

Riley: "Oh ? Hey Robby. ( she then puts back her knife in a pocket ) Why are you here anyway ?"

( Riley, calming down once she realized who Robby was, responded with a mixture of curiosity and casualness. The knife, placed back in her pocket, hinted at her usual habit of carrying a weapon. )

Robby: "We're here to find Cubbie and Skell. We've been looking through the lab, and it's taking forever. What about you?"

Riley: "Oh you know.... been a test subject for an experiment that litteraly made me even more crazier with knives."

( Riley answered Robby's question with a nonchalant tone, as if the fact of being a test subject for an experiment that heightened her obsession with knives was just a matter-of-fact. The insanity in her eyes added an unnerving aura to her presence, her fixation on blades seemingly even more pronounced. )

Robby: "So... they made you even crazier with knives, huh? That's definitely saying something."

Riley: "Oh, and you didn't came alone. There's even a bunny, a robot girl and... ( when she turned to Bubble ) Whatever that is."

( Riley's attention shifted to the rest of the group, her gaze falling upon Bubble with curiosity and confusion. The sight of Bubble, with her bunny-like appearance and lack of facial features, clearly confused her, and she struggled to find an apt description for the strange transformation. )

Bubble: "It's me, Bubble."

( Pedro whispers to Engel and Claire ) Pedro: "Really, did you see a difference between the Riley now and before been missing ? She always been crazy with knives."

( Engel and Claire, standing nearby, heard his whispered remark. They glanced over at Riley, considering his question about whether there was a difference between the current, knife-obsessed Riley and her behavior before disappearing. )

Claire: "Yeah, she seems exactly the same to me... always fixated on those knives."

( Engel, with a knowing nod, added his agreement. )

Engel: "Yeah, she's always been obsessed with knives. This experiment seems to have just intensified her obsession, but the core of her behavior is the same."

Riley: "Oh yeah and by the way, there's a big monster in the room right here if you look for Cubbie and Skell."

( Riley, still in her nonchalant manner, casually mentioned the presence of a 'big monster' in the room ahead. The news sent a shiver of concern through the group, especially as they were preparing to enter the room in search of Cubbie and Skell. )

Lizzy: "Wait, did you say there's a big monster in there? Seriously?"

Abbie: "Oh no... That means... Another mutant..."

( Abbie's words cut through the tension in the air, voicing the group's collective fear. The realization that they were about to encounter yet another mutant in the lab only heightened the sense of dread that hung over them. )

Petunia: "Great, just great... Another mutant..."

( From Miss Circle's side, she was in the room where me and my friend disappeared because of the secret trap door, looking for the secret path we used )

( Miss Circle, on the other side, was in the same room where you and your friends had gone missing earlier, having discovered the secret path through the hidden trap door. Her sharp eyes scanned the room, her expression filled with determination as she searched for clues or any further signs of your and your friends' passing. )

Miss Circle: "Mmmm... where did those brats go?"

( After some minutes ) Miss Circle: "A button ?" ( she pushed it and she entered the trap door but instead af falling on the wet floor me and my friends landed, from her case, the slide continues further )

( From our side, we arrived in the large room, ressembling like a copy of hall of a church )

( As your group finished descending the slide and arrived in the large room, the sight before you was one of stark contrast to the labyrinthine corridors that had preceded it. The room stretched out like a vast, almost church-like hall, the expanse of the space creating an eerie yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. )

Engel: "Whoa... what the heck. It's like a miniature church in here..."

Pedro: "It's almost like the one leading that lab is just toying with us at this point;"

( The observation from Pedro added a layer of intrigue and frustration to the situation. The resemblance to a church hall, coupled with the feeling of being toyed with by the person behind the experiments, suggested a more deliberate and sinister intent. Claire, looking at the surroundings, nodded in agreement. )

Claire: "Yeah, you've got a point. This feels almost like we're walking into some sick game orchestrated by whoever is behind this whole thing."

Riley: "Woo, shiny..."

Robby: "Riley, how can you be overhappy in a situation like this ?"

( Riley's voice, filled with a strange sense of excitement, drew the group's attention to something that had caught her eye. Robby's comment, laced with disbelief, highlighted the stark contrast between her reaction and the gravity of their situation. The word 'shiny' indicated that Riley had spotted something that fascinated or intrigued her, despite the circumstances. )

Kevin: "Riley, seriously, you're admiring something shiny now ?"

Bubble: "It's maybe an incredible architecture but... I don't like this... It's almost something is lurking around us..."

( Bubble, her voice soft but filled with growing unease, voiced her concerns about the surroundings. The majestic architectural features of the room contrasted sharply with the ominous presence she sensed in the air. The feeling of being watched or stalked, that something malevolent was lurking unseen, sent shivers down their spines. )

Petunia: "Yeah... I feel it too. There's something off about this place... like we're being watched..."

( Oliver notices a sort of liquid drooling down from the ceiling, it was a green saliva )

( Oliver, observant as always, noticed something unusual about the environment. His gaze was drawn to the ceiling, where he saw an odd, green liquid dripping from it. The substance looked and behaved like saliva, adding another eerie element to the already unsettling setting. )

Oliver: "Guys... take a look at the ceiling. What the heck is that?"

Kevin ( look at the ceiling just like the rest of us and see what seems to be compund eyes, like the creature is insectoid ): "Guys, let's not stay below it !"

( The group, following Oliver's earlier observation, looked up at the ceiling where the green saliva was coming from. As their gazes focused, a horrifying revelation came into view - the sight of what appeared to be insectoid compound eyes. The presence of such eyes hinted at a monstrous creature looming above. Kevin's warning, urging them to move away from beneath it, added a sense of urgency to the group's realization. )

Petunia: "Oh no... what the hell is that thing...?"

( We stood back as the creature landed )

??? ( has a high-îtched voice ): "Welcome to my domain, newcomers. This whole place + this room is when evolution becomes real. Fear me... As I'm the Human Moth. The Future !" ( this human moth spreads its legs as it prepares to lunge )

( The creature, revealing itself as the Human Moth, landed with a heavy thud, its high-pitched voice announcing its domain and its intention. It arrogantly declared itself as the future, a product of evolution incarnate. The spreading of its legs was a clear indication of its impending attack, the monstrous creature preparing to pounce at the group. )

Engel: "A Human Moth...?! Seriously?!"

( As the creatures lunges, Oliver pushes Engel of the way as the creature lands some meters from them )

( With the Human Moth lunging forward, the group was quickly forced into action. In a split-second moment, Oliver pushed Engel aside, saving him from the creature's attack. The creature, now a few meters away, let out a frustrated roar, its plans foiled by his quick reaction. )

Oliver: "Damn, that was close..! You alright, Engel?"

( Engel, recovering from the close call, nodded in response to Oliver's concerned question. He brushed off any lingering panic and composed himself as he looked at the Human Moth with a mix of annoyance and wariness. )

Engel: "Yeah, I'm good. That was a close one... but that thing is really testing our nerves."

Human moth: "You'll soon see the truth." ( it then spreads its wings and create a ear-bleeding sound )

( The Human Moth, its wings spreading wide, let out a piercing, ear-splitting sound that filled the room. The volume was excruciating, attacking the group's auditory senses and causing immense discomfort. )

Petunia: "Oh god, my ears..! What is that sound?!"

( as Pedro sees the human moth lunging at them again ) Pedro: "Watch out, everyone !"

( The warning shout from Pedro alerted the group to the approaching danger. The Human Moth, resuming its aggressive onslaught, lunged towards the group once more with impressive speed. )

Oliver: "Damn, here it comes again!"

( The group reacted on instinct, spreading out to avoid the incoming attack from the Human Moth. The monstrous creature, seemingly frustrated by the repeated escapes, unleashed a series of rapid, aggressive lunges, each one narrowly missing its targets. )

Human Moth: "It's not over yet. I am the next step of evolution !"

Pedro: "Waouh, modesty isn't its thing."

( The Human Moth, continuing its self-proclaimed status as the pinnacle of evolution, roared out a pompous declaration. The group's collective gaze met the creature's arrogant demeanor with a mix of annoyance and skepticism. )

Lizzy: "More like the next step in annoying the hell out of us!"

( After a while ) Human Moth: "Well then, if you're so stubborn to make you see the truth, I'll then show it to the others." ( it flies and pierces the false wall )

Abbie: "The... Others ?"

Claire: ( gasp ) "Cubbie and Skell ! We have to reach the cells fast !"

( The Human Moth's declaration and its revelation about "the others" sent a wave of shock and concern through the group. The mention of Cubbie and Skell sent your heart racing as you realized they were held captive and in danger. )

Petunia: "Cubbie and Skell...! We have to find them before it's too late!"

Chapter 8: the lab part 3

Summary:

eight chapter while inside the lab.

Chapter Text

( As they then advance, they hear the vibrations of the human moth's wings )

( The group pressed forward with a sense of urgency, the ominous sound of the Human Moth's wings vibrating through the room making it clear that the creature was not far behind. Each beat of its wings seemed to draw it closer, its relentless pursuit driving the sense of danger and tension to a peak. )

Oliver: "Damn it, it's still following us! Hurry!"

Pedro: "The sneaker. He made us think that it'll reach Cubbie and Skell to better backstab us ! )

( His astute observation hit home as the group took in the realization that the Human Moth had likely orchestrated a diversion."

Petunia: "You're right! It's a trap... We were so focused on its wings that we underestimated its intentions!"

( Petunia senses the human moth's wings just behind them thanks to her ears )

( Petunia, with her heightened senses due to her bunny-like features, detected the sound of the Human Moth's wings closing in on them from behind. Her acute hearing picked up the tell-tale signs of danger just in time for her to notify the group. )

Petunia: "It's right behind us!"

Kevin: "Duck !" ( we all duck and avoid it but Riley, been herself, uses her knife to make a cut on the fuzzy torso of the human moth )

( As the Human Moth closed in from behind, Kevin's swift command had everyone ducking to evade its attack. However, amidst the chaos, Riley remained true to her spirited nature, wielding her knife to make a cut on the Human Moth's fuzzy torso. The monster, caught off guard by the unexpected attack, let out a cry of pain, momentarily stunned by the unexpected injury. )

( They see it get far from the cells ) Pedro: "It's getting away from the cells."

( His observation was a grim one as the Human Moth, despite its injury, quickly retreated and moved away from the cells where Cubbie and Skell were held captive. )

Petunia: "Damn it, it's moving away! We have to catch up before it's too late!"

Engel: "Lizzy, Petunia, Robby, Kevin, Lana, Bubble and Abbie. Go free Cubbie and Skell. Me, Pedro, Claire, Oliver, Zip, Edward Riley and Ruby will chase this thing and put it down for good !"

( The group, understanding the plan, divided themselves into two teams. Engel called for Lizzy, Petunia, Robby, Kevin, Lana, Bubble, and Abbie to go and rescue Cubbie and Skell, while the remainder of the group, led by you, prepared to pursue the Human Moth and ensure its defeat. )

( From Lizzy and her group's part, it didn't take long to find the cells where Cubbie and Skell are. Lizzy's team, with their combined determination and focus, quickly located the cells where Cubbie and Skell were being held. The sight of their friends trapped within the confines of the cells fueled their determination to free them and bring an end to this ordeal. As Cubbie's door is open, they see that, instead of his human form, he's now an anthropomorphic black cat with a pencil sharpener as a replacement for a torso. His tail resembles a long-curved pencil shaving. He lacks a neck, therefore his head floats. What appears to be an opened book rests on the top of his torso. He has large eyes with big black pupils. )

( Lizzy, alongside her companions, gasped in amazement and surprise as they beheld the transformed form of Cubbie. Instead of his usual human appearance, the Cubbie before them was now an anthropomorphic black cat with a unique appearance. The sight of the pencil sharpener as a replacement for his torso, the long pencil shaving tail, and the lack of a neck with his head floating on top of an opened book was both bizarre and intriguing. )

Bubble: "Cubbie ?"

( Cubbie, his voice retaining his familiar tone despite his new form, responded with clear surprise and a hint of relief at seeing his friends. His eyes widened, a mix of confusion and comfort washing over him as he recognized the familiar faces before him. )

Cubbie: "Is... is that really you guys?"

( His question hung in the air, carrying a hint of disbelief as Cubbie, still in his cat-like form, struggled to believe his own eyes. The sight of his friends, their familiar faces a source of reassurance amidst the bewildering situation, prompted Cubbie to seek confirmation that he wasn't hallucinating.

Lana: "Yes, it's us. We're here to free you and Skell just like we did with Petunia, Bubble and Riley."

( Lana's confirmation, spoken with a firm confidence, finally dispelled any doubt in Cubbie's mind. His expression softened as a wave of relief washed over him. The realization that his friends had not only found him and Skell but were also determined to rescue them sent a surge of gratitude through Cubbie's cat-like form. )

Cubbie: "You... You found us... and you're here to save us..."

Lizzy: "Now, only remains Skell and we can come back to Engel and the others."

( Lizzy's mention of Skell, the last member of their group yet to be freed, brought a sense of urgency to the group's focus. Cubbie's eyes lit up with determination, a spark of hope in his gaze as he heard Lizzy's words. )

Cubbie: "Right... Skell... We have to find him and then regroup with the rest."

( They then go to Skell's cell and opens it. When they look at Skell, not only he's in the same behaviour as it was before, instead of his human form, he has now shoulder-length black hair with black horns, the left one having two white stripes. Unlike the others, Skell has a torso that made it look like his shirt, with two buttons and fur around the bottom and top. He wears a collar with a large bell and a skeleton pin in his hair. He appears to have black wings, accompanied by a black tail. His feet and fingers are pointed, and his limbs are similar to that of a stick figure, giving him a very tall figure, even taller than any student. He doesn't seem that uneased by this new form of his )

Skell: "Mmmm ? Oh, it's you guys..."

( Lizzy and the others stood in mild surprise as they observed Skell's new form. His shoulder-length black hair adorned with horns, the shirt-like torso, and the addition of wings, a tail, and pointed appendages all added to his unique appearance. The tallest amongst them all, Skell's height only seemed to add an air of unexpected mystery to his changed state. )

Lizzy: "Skell...? Is that you?"

Skell: "Yeah. Why are you looking at me like if I'm not myself ?"

( Skell's nonchalant response to Lizzy's query, coupled with his unfazed demeanor, only further puzzled the group. Despite his altered appearance, Skell's calm attitude didn't seem to reflect the bizarre transformation he had undergone. Lizzy, trying to make sense of the situation, struggled to reconcile the difference between the Skell before them and the one they knew well. )

Lizzy: "Uh... well... you look... different."

Skell: "I know. I don't mind that much."

( Skell's casual acceptance of his transformed state caught Lizzy slightly off guard, her initial surprise slowly giving way to a hint of curiosity and disbelief. )

Lizzy: "You... don't mind? You look like a completely different person, and you're just.. okay with it?"

Skell: "Why not ? I'm still me inside right ?"

Skell: "Anyway, where's the comical and his friends ?"

Cubbie: "The comical ?"

Skell: "It's the name I gave to Pedro."

( The lighthearted comment from Skell, referring to Pedro with a nickname, brought a touch of humor to the situation. Cubbie's puzzled "what?" in response, followed by Skell's clarification, added a moment of lightness to their otherwise perplexing circumstances. )

Lizzy: ( stifling a chuckle ) "Wait... you call Pedro 'the comical'?"

Skell: "Among Engel, Claire, Bubble, Lana and Abbie, he's the one who seems less boring."

Bubble, Lana and Abbie: "Heeey !"

( The protests from Bubble, Lana, and Abbie followed Skell's observation, their voices laced with a mix of indignation and mock offense at the label of being less interesting compared to Pedro. )

Lizzy: ( stifling a laugh ) "Less boring, huh? That's one way to put it."

Skell: "But still, Where is he, Engel and Claire at the moment ?"

( The question from Skell, seeking information on Engel and Claire's whereabouts, shifted the focus back to the task at hand. Lizzy, Cubbie, and the others exchanged glances, their expressions turning serious. )

Lizzy: "They're... chasing down the Human Moth. He escaped when we were freeing you and Skell. They went after him."

Skell: "It's just an annoying bug. No big deal."

Cubbie: "Uh... No, it's a really big deal. They didn't see how dangerous its " gift ", as it calls it, is."

( Skell's nonchalance and Cubbie's immediate correction highlighted the different perspectives on the situation. While Skell seemed relatively unconcerned about the Human Moth, Cubbie's mention of the true danger posed by its "gift" brought a sense of urgency to their conversation. )

Lizzy: ( concerned ) "Gift? Cubbie, what do you mean?"

( From Pedro's side, with Engel, Claire, Ruby, Oliver, Edward and Zip, we chased the Human Moth until we reached a sort of replica of a ring with the corpse of Miss Scissors )

( The chase continued, Engel, Claire, Ruby, Oliver, and the others pursuing the Human Moth until it led them to an unexpected sight - a ring-like arena filled with the corpse of Miss Scissors. The sight of the fallen teacher added another layer of confusion and anxiety to the already chaotic situation. )

Human Moth: "Well, kids. Since you made all this way, be the witness of the gift of been the future of human evolution." ( it scratches violently Miss Scissors's corpse which make it shake. Ruby analyzed Miss Scissors's corpse as she sees that the " gift " in question is an infection )

( The scene unfolding before the group sent a chill down their spines. The Human Moth's dramatic proclamation was followed by an unsettling sight as it scratched Miss Scissors' corpse, causing it to convulse and shudder. As Ruby scrutinized the corpse via her analytical abilities, she made a grim discovery: an infection had taken hold of the former teacher, manifesting as a distinct and sinister presence within her body. )

Ruby: "It's... an infection..."

Oliver, Edward, Pedro and Zip: "Wha ?" ( we then all see the corpse of Miss scissors changing drasticly into another Human moth )

( The group, including Pedro, Oliver, Edward, and Zip, witnessed the shocking transformation before them in horror as Miss Scissors' corpse began to morph and shift, its form slowly becoming that of another Human Moth. )

Edward: "Dear god... it can spread its... 'gift' through others?!"

Human moth and Miss Scissors ( Human Moth ): "The world will belong to us !" ( they then move at them )

Engel: Watch out, don't let them scratch you !"

( As the two Human Moths, including the one that had once been Miss Scissors, advanced toward the group, the immediate danger was clear. Engel's warning to avoid the contact of their scratching claws added a sense of urgency to the situation. )

Edward: "Easier said than done!"

( They dodge the two ) Human Moth and Miss Scissors ( human moth ): "Haha, you're so weak. So unfit."

Zip: "Dude, this bug also spreads its lack of modesty."

( Having dodged the incoming attack, the group found themselves subject to the taunting remarks of the two Human Moths. Zip's quip about the lack of modesty spreading with the infection added a touch of dark humor amidst the tense encounter. )

Oliver: "They're cocky as well? Great..."

( Miss Circle's perspective, still on the slide, granted her a bird's eye view of the unfolding events in the adjacent room. She observed the ongoing struggle against the two Human Moths, witnessing the intense scene unfolding before her. )

Miss Circle: "Mmmm ? Why are they fighting bugs now ?"

( Miss Circle's thoughts, verbalized with a soft murmur, expressed her curiosity about the situation unfolding. From her elevated viewpoint via the slide, she puzzled over the sight of Pedro's group engaged in combat against the Human Moths. )

( As she then saw that the human moth and Miss Scissors ( human moth ) are gripping Pedro and about to scratch him ) Miss Circle: "Oh no, they won't. he's mine. ( She then jumps out of the slide, cutting the wall with her compass arm to pass through and pierces Miss scissors ( Human moth ) before gripping the Human Moth neck and throwing it against a wall, letting a big spray of its blood on the wall. ) Fuhehehehehehe..."

( Witnessing the sudden intervention from Miss Circle, the group watched as she sliced through the wall with her compass-arm, creating a path for her to enter the fray. In a swift and brutal display, she grabbed hold of the Human Moth before flinging it with brutal force into a wall, the impact resulting in a spray of its blood against the surface. The sight of the ruthless attack left the group stunned, their eyes wide with awe at the unexpected turn of events. )

( Robby, Kevin, Bubble, Lana, Abbie, Lizzy, Petunia, Cubbie and Skell arrived. ) Abbie: ( gasps ) "Oh no... It's Miss CIrcle !"

Zip; "Uh ? THAT is supposed to be the Math teacher ?"

Skell: "With her compass arm, she's cool I guess."

Cubbie: "Skell !"

( Just as the group was attempting to make sense of the unexpected appearance of Miss Circle, the arrival of the other students added another layer of confusion to the situation. Abbie's gasp of recognition, followed by Zip's and Skell's reactions, further emphasized the mix of surprise and intrigue surrounding Miss Circle's presence. )

Lizzy: ( stunned ) "Miss Circle...? What...? What is she doing here?!"

( Miss Circle turns directly to Pedro, knowing he was indirectly responsible of the loss of her left arm by the falling blade and that she then put a compass to replace her left arm )

Miss Circle: "Surprise." ( she then makes her sly grin, showing her pointed and sharp teeth )

( Miss Circle's gaze fixated directly on him, her expression holding a mixture of recognition and slight amusement. Her sly grin, accompanied by the showing of her sharpened teeth, added a menacing edge to her demeanor. It was clear that she was aware of Pedro's indirect involvement in the loss of her left arm and the resulting replacement with her compass arm. )

( Pedro's heart skipped a beat as she addressed him, her voice carrying a hint of challenge beneath the surface. )

Miss Circle: ( approaching us all ) "Is it me or this little gang of yours just expanded itself ?"

( The group, still somewhat disoriented by the events unfolding, found themselves confronted by Miss Circle's approaching form as she posed her question. The comment about the growth of the group was delivered with a hint of mockery, her words hinting at her awareness of the changes that had occurred. )

Lana: ( crossing her arms ) "Yeah, we've got a few more people onboard now, so what?"

Miss Circle: "As usual, I wasn't talking to you, Lana."

( Lana's response was immediately shut down by Miss Circle's sharp retort, the math teacher making it clear that she had no interest in engaging with Lana's attitude. The room fell silent for a moment as the teacher's words hung in the air, the tension between them palpable. )

Lana: ( pouting ) "Hmph. Rude."

Miss Circle: "You know, little Pedro. I could've been furious after what you did but honestly.... Thank you."

Pedro: Uh ?

( Miss Circle's unexpected gratitude, addressed directly to him, brought a moment of bewilderment as she expressed her unexpected sentiment. Her words, spoken with a touch of sincerity, hinted at a less hostile perspective than expected. )

( The group, including yourself, were taken aback by her words, exchanging glances of mild surprise as they processed her thank you to Pedro. )

Lizzy: ( raising an eyebrow ) "Wait, you're... thanking him?"

Miss Circle: "In fact, if he didn't accidently made me lose my left arm, I couldn't have this magnificent new compass arm. Lately, I could address my authority more clearly on any student in this school orphanage."

( The room filled with a sense of understanding as Miss Circle elaborated on her unexpected gratitude. Her explanation revealed that the loss of her left arm, while initially a negative event, had inadvertently led to the creation of her new and improved compass arm. )

( The group, including you, processed her words, the realization settling in that the incident had inadvertently led to a positive outcome for her, in terms of strengthened authority. )

Oliver: ( frowning ) "So.... you're actually thanking him for that accident...?"

Miss Circle: "Oh yes but here's the thing: I'm now intolerant with disobedience, pranksters, comicals and incompetence. If I see any student doing all that, they'll be punished... ( the metal bar of the compass arm just stretch into view with a clang ) Deadly. Fuhehehehe... It's perfect ! Hehahahahaha..."

( Miss Circle's words resonated with a tone of finality, her declaration of intolerance for disobedience, pranks, and incompetence leaving no room for doubt. The stretching metal bar of her compass arm, accompanied by the ominous "clang" and her maniacal laughter, added a chilling element to her statement. )

( The group, now even more wary of the math teacher's new, unforgiving nature, exchanged glances of apprehension, the weight of her words and the display of her compass arm's capabilities sinking in. )

Pedro: "Uh... Miss Circle... You're kidding right ?"

( His tentative question, spoken with a hint of uncertainty, was met with a sharp glance from Miss Circle, the math teacher's gaze piercing as she regarded you with a raised eyebrow. )

Miss Circle: ( narrowing her eyes ) "Do I look like I'm kidding, little Pedro?"

Miss Circle: "By the way, You all didn't presented yourselves in my class and it's considered disobedience and seeing all of you... ( She prepared herself ) I just got the jackpot, fuhehehe.."

( Miss Circle's statement about the group's lack of proper introduction in her class was met with a mix of surprise and slight unease from the group. The realization that they had overlooked the formality, which was apparently considered disobedience in her eyes, added a sense of impending trouble. )

( As Miss Circle prepared herself, the tension in the air thickened, the group bracing themselves for whatever consequences she had in store for them. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting her next move. )

Zip: "Dude, that math teacher is completely out of her mind."

( Zip's observation, spoken in a hushed whisper, echoed the sentiment of the group as they shared a collective thought. The math teacher's behavior seemed increasingly erratic and unreasonable, and the sight of her preparing herself for what was to come was a cause for concern. )

Lizzy: ( crossing her arms ) "More like completely insane."

Miss Circle: "And I'm gonna Kill you first, Abbie, because you're the weak one of Pedro's friends."

Abbie: "Meeeep !"

( Abbie's startled squeal, uttered in response to Miss Circle's declaration, mirrored the growing terror in the room. The math teacher's words, naming Abbie as the first target due to his perceived weakness, sent a shiver down everyone's spine. )

Oliver: ( stepping forward ) "Woah, hey, wait a minute! Leave him alone!"

( Miss Circle attacked but with his pencil arm, Oliver blocked her compass arm )

Miss CIrcle: "Oh, sweet. You too lost your left arm."

( Oliver's protective action, intercepting Miss Circle's attack with his pencil arm, caused a moment of surprise. The realization of his own loss, just like Miss Circle, added an element of irony to the situation. )

Oliver: ( wincing in pain ) "Yeah, well, I can still kick your ass with one arm."

( Miss Circle grabbed Oliver by his head and toss him aside violently )

Miss Circle: "Too easy."

( Oliver's confidence was quickly shattered as Miss Circle effortlessly grabbed hold of him and threw him aside with brutal force. The ease with which she dealt with him added to the math teacher's intimidating aura, the realization that she was not to be underestimated sinking in for the group. )

Oliver: ( grunting in pain ) "Ugh... damn it.."

Edward: "What the... Where did this strength of her came from ?"

( Edward's exclamation echoed the group's bewilderment as they witnessed the unexpected display of strength from Miss Circle. The question hung heavily in the air, as the group grappled with the mystery behind her newfound power. )

( Each of the students, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear, exchanged glances, silently asking the same question that Edward had voiced aloud. )

Lana: "Don't worry, Abbie, I'll protect you." ( Miss Circle hit her with her compass arm, tossing her aside )

( Lana's valiant promise to protect Abbie was met with a brutal response from Miss Circle, who launched a powerful attack with her compass arm, sending Lana flying aside with ease. The sight of the usually confident girl being effortlessly overpowered heightened the group's worry and uncertainty. )

( Cubbie's attempt to intervene, ended in a swift kick from Miss Circle that sent him sprawling, crashing against a combination of Lizzy, Petunia, Robby, and Kevin. The collision scattered the group, adding to the chaotic scene as everyone struggled to regain their balance and bearings after the forceful attack. )

Riley: "Heehee, Let me show you how I love knives !" ( Riley's speed and agility shone through as she evaded Miss Circle's attack and landed on the math teacher's lengthy hair, balancing with finesse. Miss Circle, in turn, retaliated by attempting to grab Riley from behind, a struggle ensuing as she tried to shake the nimble teen off her hair. )

( Miss Circle then grabs Riley from her hair and begin to prepare to throw her )

Miss Circle: "Another one to fly !" ( she then throw Riley )

Riley: "Heeeeeeeeeee..."

Claire: "Skell watch out !"

Skell: "Mmmm ?" ( he received Riley )

( Riley's sudden trajectory, thrown by Miss Circle, ended with her landing in Skell's arms, the unexpected save preventing her from crashing into a wall. A collective gasp of surprise, tinged with relief, echoed through the room as the group watched Skell deftly catch the falling Riley. )

Skell: ( blinking in surprise ) "Huh..? What just..."

Abbie ( stumbles on the floor when he tried to run while Miss Circle approached him dangerously ): "No,no, nonononono..."

( Abbie's attempt to flee resulted in a stumble, his path blocked by Miss Circle's menacing approach. Panic clear in his eyes, he protested frantically, trying desperately to back away as the math teacher advanced on him menacingly. )

Miss Circle: "No getting away, little Abbie, get ready to die !"

( Miss Circle's words seemed to resonate with a chilling finality, the ominous tone in her voice sending a shiver down Abbie's spine. The realization of the dire situation sinking in as the math teacher's advance continued, leaving Abbie feeling cornered and vulnerable. Claire and Bubble's valiant attempt to intervene resulted in a brutal attack from Miss Circle, as she lashed out with her compass arm, leaving a deep scratch across Claire's skin. The sight of Claire's injury, combined with Miss Circle's relentless advance, left the group feeling a mix of worry and fear for their friend's wellbeing. )

Miss Circle: "Say your prayers !" ( she was about to attack again but this time, Engel acted and blocked each extremy of the compass arm of Miss Circle with his hands )

( Just as Miss Circle was about to deliver another attack in her relentless onslaught, Engel's timely intervention stopped her in her tracks. The math teacher's attack was intercepted as Engel placed his hands on the extreme ends of Miss Circle's compass arm, effectively blocking her from causing any further harm for the moment. )

Miss Circle: ( at first surprised of Engel action until.. ) "Hehee... Hehehehehe, Where did this strength come from one of the nicest students ?"

( Initially taken aback by Engel's strength, Miss Circle's surprise quickly turned into a smirk upon sensing an unexpected power within him. Her question, posed with amusement, hinted at a curiosity about Engel's transformation from the "nicest student" to one capable of stopping her vicious attacks. )

Engel: ( gritting his teeth ) "Don't underestimate me."

( Engel feels that Miss Circle is tightening each extremeties of her compass arm, almost to crush Engel's fingers, still holding it )

( As Engel braced himself against the growing pressure from Miss Circle's tightening compass arm, he could feel the increasing strain on his fingers, the pressure almost to the point of becoming excruciating. His determination and resilience were tested as he held on, fighting to keep the math teacher's attack at bay despite the pain and effort it took to maintain his grip. )

( As the compass arm is now in the level of Engel's torso because of his struggle )

Miss Circle: "Do you know what happen to brave persons ?" ( suddenly the metal bar of the compass arm stretches and pierces the extreme left side of Engel's torso )

( Just as Engel's resolve remained steadfast in his battle against Miss Circle's relentless assault, the unthinkable happens. The compass arm's metal bar stretched out and pierced through his left side, eliciting a gasp of pain and surprise from Engel. The unexpected pain and injury added an element of urgency and desperation to the situation, as Engel tried to push through the sudden attack despite the severe pain he now faced. )

Engel: ( wincing in pain ) "Ugh... damn it...!"

( Miss Circle lifts Engel up with her compass arm )

( Engel's pained gasp was followed by the unexpected sensation of being lifted off the ground, his body now suspended in the air by Miss Circle's control over the compass arm. The math teacher's grip on him was firm and unyielding, leaving Engel suspended and powerless in the air. The rest of the group watched on, their concern and worry for Engel growing with every passing second. )

Pedro: "Hey, let him go !"

Miss Circle: "Oh, you want him back. Good, take him ! ( she then throws him violently until Ruby catches him in time )"

( The collective plea for Engel's release was met with Miss Circle's harsh response, followed by her abrupt tossing of Engel forward. Without warning, Engel's body was hurled through the air, only to be safely caught by Ruby before he could hit the ground. The rescue prevented a potentially even worse outcome, but the impact and pain Engel had sustained were clear in his wincing and labored breathing. )

Engel: ( gasping for air ) "Damn it... that hurt..."

Zip: "Geez, dude. She didn't missed."

( Zip's observation, delivered in a casual tone, echoed the shock and concern that permeated the room. The sight of Engel, injured and struggling to catch his breath, added a stark reality to the situation they were facing. )

Oliver: ( wincing sympathetically ) "Yeah, that looked rough. You okay, Engel?"

( Oliver's concerned question, directed towards Engel, reflected the growing worry among the group as they took in Engel's injured state. With a hint of empathy in his voice, Oliver waited anxiously for Engel's response, hoping for reassurance that the injured student was alright even after the brutal attack. )

Engel: ( grimacing in pain ) "I've been better... but I'll manage."

( Without wasting a second, Pedro charged at Miss Circle, the metallic sound of the clash of my metal bar against her compass arm echoing through the room. The impact sent a shockwave of energy throughout the area, as his bar and her arm locked in a battle of power and determination. )

( They then both fight for a little while Pedro's metal bar clashing against her compass arm until she disarms him and took his metal bar )

Miss Circle: "How cute. Trying to stop me with this toy..." ( she breaks the metal bar into pieces with her hand and her compass arm )

( The fight continued with a fierce exchange of blows, the metallic clang of our weapons filling the air. However, in a sudden twist, Miss Circle managed to disarm him and snapped his metal bar into pieces with her right hand and her compass arm. The display of her strength was both impressive and intimidating, leaving him momentarily stunned as the broken pieces of my weapon hit the floor. )

( The group, watching the fight unfold, exchanged concerned glances as their hopes of overcoming Miss Circle's strength seemed to take a significant setback. )

Kevin: ( seeing that the human moth weakly escaped the room, letting a trail of its blood ) "Guys, we're maybe more against her but she's overpowering us. The human moth is escaping and we have one of our friends badly injured. We can't stay here playing with Miss Circle."

( Kevin's words, spoken with a mix of determination and urgency, resonated with the rest of the group. The realization that the human moth was escaping and that Engel was in critical condition added a sense of urgency to the situation. Kevin's point was clear: continuing to fight Miss Circle was futile and it was crucial to prioritize their goals. )

Oliver: ( nodding in agreement ) "Yeah, you're right. We need to regroup and tend to Engel's injury. We can't waste more time here."

( Ruby analyzes the ceiling as she saw a sort of decontamination system )

( Amidst the chaos of the conversation, Ruby's keen eye noticed something important on the ceiling - a decontamination system. Her sharp observation prompted her to point it out to the rest of the group, hoping to find a potential solution to their predicament. )

Ruby: ( quietly pointing ) "Wait, guys... look at the ceiling."

Robby: "A decontamination system ?"

( Robby's question, posed with a hint of curiosity, confirmed that the object on the ceiling had indeed caught the group's attention. Ruby, taking charge in the moment, nodded in agreement.. )

Ruby: ( confirming ) "Yes, a decontamination system. Looks like it could be switched on."

Kevin: "Maybe if we switch it on, it will give us a good distraction on Miss Circle and for us to leave this room. But once activated, we'll have to run fast to reach the exit door of this room."

( Kevin's proposal, aimed at creating a distraction and ensuring their escape, was met with nodding heads from the rest of the group. They understood the urgency of the situation and the need to act quickly. )

Oliver: "Right, that's our plan then. Ruby, can you switch that thing on?"

( Miss Circle then grabs Pedro and lift him with her right hand )

Miss Circle: Oh, little Pedro, if you know I have waited almost an eternity for this. ( the metal bar of her compass arm stretches out as she's ready to pierces him with it ) It's over, Pedro.

( As Miss Circle's grip tightened and her compass arm's metal bar extended towards him, the tension in the room grew palpable. It was a moment of ultimate danger and uncertainty, as Pedro faced the imminent threat of being impaled by her powerful attack. The entire group held their breath, their hopes hanging in the balance. Oliver's eyes widened with fear and anger, determined to prevent the impending harm to his friend. )

Oliver: "Ruby, now. Activate the decontamination system !"

( Amid the intense standoff, Oliver's urgent command echoed through the room, cutting through the silence with a sense of urgency. He turned to Ruby, imploring her to activate the decontamination system to create the distraction needed to save me from Miss Circle's assault. )

Ruby: ( nodding in understanding ) "On it."

( With her internal system, Ruby activated the decontamination system as liquid smoke are sprayed, blinding Miss Circle who drops me )

( In response to Ruby's efforts, the decontamination system sprang into action, releasing a cascade of liquid smoke that filled the room and disoriented Miss Circle. The thick smoke enveloped the area, reducing visibility to near zero and momentarily blinding her, causing her to release Pedro in the confusion. )

Bubble: "Quick, everyone. To the door in the other side of the room !" ( as they all run with Ruby carrying Engel, Pedro follows suit )

( With the distraction created by the decontamination system, a mad dash toward the exit door commenced. Bubble's urgent directive rang out amidst the chaos, urging everyone to run for their escape route. Ruby, with Engel in her arms, led the charge with everyone following closely behind, adrenaline guiding their every step. )

( As the group burst through the exit, panting and exhausted, a glimpse of Miss Circle's looming figure caught Pedro's attention. From afar, he witnessed her standing over the twitching body of Miss Scissors, a sly smirk on her face as she seemed to address them with a subtle gesture, implying that we'd see her soon. The door closed, creating a barrier between us and the dangers we had just fled. )

Chapter 9: Miss Bloomie

Summary:

ninth chapter where we meet Miss Bloomie, the science teacher.

Chapter Text

Claire: "That was close..."

( Claire's hushed words echoed the sentiment felt by the entire group, the tension and fear still lingering in the wake of their narrow escape. The adrenaline began to subside, replaced by a mix of exhaustion and relief. Everyone breathed a sigh, grateful to have made it out alive. )

Ruby: "As for Engel, he's... ( then her voice is like losing power ) to be cured asap..." ( The tv head of Ruby shuts off; making her unmoving )

Riley: "Uh, hey, robot girl. It's not the time to sleep. ( she then taps Ruby with the flat part of her knife ) Ruby. Hey, Ruby."

( In the midst of the group's concern over Engel's condition, Ruby's sudden shutdown prompted a moment of worry. Riley, attempting to get Ruby's attention, gently tapped her with the flat side of her knife, hoping to rouse the robot girl from her motionless state. )

Riley: ( worried ) "Hey, come on, Ruby. Snap out of it."

Pedro: "Oh no... Robby, Kevin. Don't tell us the liquid smoke fried her system."

( At the mention of the potential reason for Ruby's sudden shutdown, Robby and Kevin exchanged a grave look, the worry evident in their faces. Their worst fears seemed to be confirmed as they realized that the decontamination smoke might have had a detrimental effect on Ruby's robotic system. )

Kevin: ( frowning ) "Damnit... it's a possibility. The decontamination smoke could have short-circuited her circuits."

Cubbie; "I hope it's not too severe and that shutdown is not permanent."

( Cubbie's words echoed the sentiment of concern that all felt for Ruby's current condition. His hope that the shutdown was not permanent and that the damage sustained was not too severe resonated with the group, as they all silently waited for some sign of life from the motionless robot girl. )

Skell: "Great, now we have two burdens to hold."

Lana: "Hey, Ruby and Engel are not burdens, they're our friends."

Skell: "Whatever." ( that makes Lana even more irritated )

( The tension in the group heightened as Skell's insensitive comment cast a shadow over the group's collective worry. Lana, quick to defend Ruby and Engel, spoke up in a firm tone, correcting Skell's insensitive comment and emphasizing the importance of friendship. )

Lana: ( crossing her arms ) "Skell, that's low. They're our friends, not "burdens" for us to "hold". Show some respect."

Abbie: ( as he saw the trail of blood let by the injured human moth ) "Uh.. Guys ? Isn't it the blood of the Human Moth ?"

( Abbie's observation, directed towards the blood trail on the floor, brought everyone's attention to the evidence of the human moth's injury. The sight of the blood sparked a conversation as they recognized the source of the trail and its implications. )

Robby: ( curious ) "Looks like it. That bug is injured and left a trail of blood as it fled."

( Petunia and Cubbie sniffed the trail of blood as they guessed that the human moth is not too far due to its injury. Petunia and Cubbie's keen senses came into play as they inhaled the scent of the blood trail, their keen noses guiding their intuition. The potency of the trail suggested that the injured human moth was most likely not too far away due to the severity of its injury. )

Petunia: ( sniffing ) "The blood scent is strong. The human moth seems to be nearby."

( Cubbie concurred with Petunia's estimation, the scent of blood leading them closer to their target. )

Cubbie: ( sniffing ) "Yeah, the trail is pretty strong. We should be fairly close."

Riley: "Goodie, we can give the finishing blow on it once we reach it."

( Riley's enthusiasm was palpable as she voiced her eagerness to deliver the "finishing blow" once the group reach the injured human moth. The prospect of eliminating the threat once and for all fueled her determination. )

Riley: ( excited ) "Hell, yeah. Once we find that moth, we'll take care of business."

( They follow the trail of blood without wasting time. The group, with a shared sense of urgency, followed the trail of blood, determined to catch up with the injured human moth. The path of red droplets led the way as they moved with purpose, not wanting to waste any precious time in their pursuit. )

( As they continued to follow the trail, the signs of the human moth's weakened state became increasingly apparent as the blood drops became larger and more frequent, suggesting that the wounded creature was losing strength and struggling to flee. )

Human Moth; "Why... Being humble;.. ? I am.. Evolved... A better man.." ( suddenly a broken large box cutter is thrown and pierces the Human moth by behind, killing it instantly )

( Just as the human moth began to speak, a broken box cutter suddenly sliced through the air, piercing the creature from behind with deadly accuracy. The attack was swift and effective, ending the life of the human moth in an instant. The unexpected action left the group momentarily stunned, trying to process the abrupt turn of events. )

Robby: ( blinking in surprise ) "Damn... what just happened...?"

( They then hear footsteps, almost clicking on the floor. They then see a figure revealing itself. it was a woman who has short black bob hair with blunt bangs and a pair of black horns. Only her right eye is visible due to view. Her hair is tied up in a small ponytail with a white bow. Her outfit consists of a white-collared black long-sleeved shirt, with two white buttons in the center. Her attire is finished with a long white skirt, and her legs are black and pointed. Her left arm is replaced with a blade resembling a giant box cutter, while her right is a white hand with pointed fingers. She then leans down, looking at the dead Human moth she just killed by throwing that broken box cutter before her gaze turns to us. She then speak with cold and almost emotionless tone and voice )

???: "Mmm, you manage to go so far here in my lab and freeing my five test subjects ( mentionning to Petunia, Bubble, Riley, Cubbie and Skell ), interesting. You can bring them with you, I finished my work on them anyway. But where are my manners ? I'm Miss Bloomie, former close friend of Victoria Circlemoon, Miss Circle, now, and the science teacher of this school."

( The group stared in disbelief at the woman who revealed herself before them, her presence exuding a sense of authority and mystery. Her words, laced with a calm and almost emotionless tone, sent a chill down their spines as she mentioned her identity as Miss Bloomie and mentioned her connection to Miss Cirlce, formerly known as Victoria Circlemoon. )

Oliver: ( frowning ) "Miss Bloomie... You're behind this whole lab and the experiments?"

Miss Bloomie: "I was a scientist before arriving here. It's logical that I have to pursue my researches and experiments. The Human Moth was a lost cause anyway."

( Miss Bloomie's response was matter-of-fact, explaining her history as a scientist and the need to continue her research. Her casual dismissal of the human moth as a "lost cause" added a chilling element to her words, indicating her ruthless and pragmatic approach to experimentation. )

Zip: ( clenching his fists ) "That doesn't justify what you've been doing here. You've gone too far with your experiments, creating those... monstrosities."

Miss Bloomie: "I'm just doing my job. All those " mutants " you saw so far are failed experiments that needed to be put down. I needed clear minds to make my experiments less... compromised." ( she was hinting about how she experimented on Petunia, Bubble, Riley, Cubbie and Skell )

( Miss Bloomie's casual justification for her experiments struck a nerve within the group, their anger flaring at her dismissive attitude towards the lives she had toyed with. The mention of the failed experiments and the implication about Petunia, Bubble, Riley, Cubbie, and Skell only added fuel to the fire of their anger and outrage. )

Lana: ( voice filled with disdain ) "You say that as if those failures were just... expendable test subjects to you. They're living beings, not just tools for your twisted experiments."

Miss Bloomie: "Irrelevant. Once my test subject became a lost cause, they're nothing more than monsters. Obviously.. ( she looked a her box cutter arm ) I lost my arm because of a monster."

( Miss Bloomie's cold and detached response further fueled the group's frustration, her dehumanizing attitude towards the failed experiments and the loss of her arm only adding to their anger at her unethical and inhumane practices. The revelation that her arm had been lost in an encounter with a monster added a layer of irony to her justifications, considering the very monsters she had created through her experiments. )

Edward: ( scowling ) "You see them as monsters, yet you fail to see the monster you've become yourself in the process."

Miss Bloomie: "Easy to say from the ones ( mentionning Oliver, Edward and Zip ) who lived below the school for almost two years like rats. I'm mostly a logical person. Of course, sacrifices have to be made for science, even if it's a living being."

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip tensed up as Miss Bloomie, with her calculated words, referred to their time living underground as if it diminished their understanding of morality. The comparison to "rats" stung, but their anger rose at her blunt and ruthless justification of scientific pursuits and sacrifice. )

Oliver: ( gritting his teeth ) "You think because we had to live underground, we don't understand the value of life? You're the one sacrificing innocent beings for your twisted experiments. That's not science, that's just plain evil."

Miss Bloomie: "Those monsters you saw so far weren't innocent. They were criminals, killers, irredeemable persons. Tell me, if I was that evil, I could've disposed of Petunia, Bubble, Riley, Cubbie and skell after my tests on them but I didn't. Because they're still young."

( The group exchanged glances, a mix of anger and disbelief in their eyes at Miss Bloomie's words. The revelation that the failed experiments they had faced were criminals and "irredeemable persons" added a layer of complexity to their understanding of the situation. Despite the circumstances, the fact that she had spared Petunia, Bubble, Riley, Cubbie, and Skell for their age brought a glimmer of hope and an opening for a response. )

Abbie: ( hesitating ) "...You kept them alive because they're...young?"

Miss Bloomie: "I'm not unreasonable unlike Miss Circle. She became crazy because of her past torment. I, on the other hand, was betrayed and left behind."

Abbie: "Uh.. But..."

Miss Bloomie: "Left behind !"

( The group, particularly Abbie, was left grappling with the information that Miss Circle's past torment had led to her descent into madness, while Miss Bloomie claimed to be more rational despite her own experience of betrayal and abandonment. The mention of Abbie's attempt to object was cut off by Miss Bloomie's firm response, hinting at a deeper story behind her bitterness and emotional detachment. )

Zip: ( frowning ) "You were betrayed.. and abandoned? By who?"

Miss Bloomie: "Your parents." ( mentionning to all of us )

( A collective gasp of surprise and shock left the group as Miss Bloomie dropped a bombshell revelation about their parents' involvement. The accusations and implication that their parents had betrayed and abandoned them left them speechless, the weight of the accusation and its potential implications sinking in. )

Bubble: ( voice shaky ) "Our.. parents? What the hell? That's... that's a lie, right?"

Miss Bloomie: "You all never knew your parents ? How sad... there was a reason why they brought you all here. They were sick from a rare disease and they asked me and my former team to create a vaccine. We recommanded them to use only one dose after each month. They swore it.... Until we discover that they've overusing the vaccine, changing them all into an abomination. I was blamed for it and the death of my team, been fired from my position as scientist by their own hands when all I and my team wanted was to help them."

( As Miss Bloomie spoke, the group's initial shock slowly morphed into a mixture of disbelief and sorrow. The revelation of their parents' rare disease and the subsequent chain of events that led to the creation of the vaccine was a shocking twist they had not expected. The accusation of overusing the vaccine that Miss Bloomie was unjustly blamed for, coupled with the loss of her team, added an element of tragedy to her experience. )

Claire: ( speaking softly ) "So... they blamed you? Even though you were just trying to help them.."

Miss Bloomie: ( turning at Pedro ) "You. I knew your mother, Pedro. She wanted to live a normal life but she was a ticking time bomb and she hurted so many people, me included. She's now rotting in a clinic for years now."

Pedro: "Wh.. What ? You... you knew my mom? She's... in a clinic? For years?"

Miss Bloomie: ( seeing the injured Engel ) "Your friend is not in a good state. ( she showed a medication ) This medication will serve as a aid for his injury to be healed and preventing him to die from blood loss."

( The group's attention shifted to Engel as Miss Bloomie noticed his injured state and brought attention to the medication she had in her possession. The seriousness of Engel's injury was clear, and the sight of him in such a state only added to the sense of worry and concern. )

Oliver: ( concerned ) "He needs help. That medication will help his injury and prevent further blood loss?"

Miss Bloomie: "Enough questions. You want to save your friend ? Take that medication and use it."

( As Miss Bloomie presented the medication as a potential means to aid Engel, the group exchanged conflicted looks. The importance of saving their injured friend and the risks of trusting her word weighed heavily on their minds. )

Oliver: ( hesitating ) "We.. we have to trust you? And this medication will really help him? No tricks or hidden side effects?"

Pedro: "Uh, Oliver, did you heard her yet ? She had enough of questions and our friend is bleeding to death right now !" ( Abbie, Lana, Bubble and Claire back him up )

( Abbie, Lana, bubbles, and Claire chime in to support Pedro, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the importance of prioritizing Engel's medical care. Even Riley nods, sensing the gravity of the moment. )

Oliver: ( realizing ) "Right, you're right. We need to act quickly. We have to trust her for now and give Engel the medication."

Pedro: "Okay, Miss Bloomie. We'll use the medication."

( Miss Bloomie's expression remains unreadable as she watches the group's decision to use the medication to aid Engel, though a hint of satisfaction is hidden in her eyes. )

Miss Bloomie: "Good. The medication should start working within seconds. Make sure he swallows it completely and keep an eye on him."

( He takes the medication and approaches Engel ) Pedro: "Okay,...." ( we make him drink and swallow it )

( Pedro carefully administers the medication to Engel, monitoring his reaction closely as the group anxiously waits for a response. Seconds pass in tense anticipation, hoping that the medication would live up to what Miss Bloomie promised. )

( They saw the effects of the medication kicking in as the injury of Engel is healing itself )

( Slowly but surely, the group witnesses the effects of the medication taking hold as Engel's injury begins to heal before their eyes. Relief washes over them, mixed with a sense of gratitude towards Miss Bloomie for her assistance. Oliver, in particular, seems visibly relieved, the worry lines on his face slightly easing up. )

Oliver: ( exhaled ) "It's working... His injury is healing. The medication is doing its job."

Miss Bloomie: "There's an exit from the school underground , close from here. It's just on your right right there. I'm merciful for now but next time I saw one of you here... ( she turns back ) I won't assist you." ( she then leaves, disappearing in the dark part of the room )

( The group, still processing the mixed emotions of relief and wariness, watch as Miss Bloomie leaves, disappearing into the shadows of the room. Her warning hangs in the air, a reminder that their encounter with her was a precarious truce, and that their future interactions might not be as fortunate. )

Oliver: ( quietly ) "Right.. we should head to that exit. We've already pushed our luck enough here."

Zip: "Dudes, did you noticed that ? It's like she was completely dehumanized."

( Zip's observation sparks a reflection from the group, their thoughts turning to Miss Bloomie's detached and almost emotionless demeanor. The group nods in agreement, each sharing their own impression of the woman's detached attitude. )

Oliver: ( frowning ) "Yeah, you're right. She was so clinical and almost cold. It's like she looked at us and saw just a bunch of test subjects, not people."

Pedro: "For some reason, not only she mentionned your parents to you all but about my mother..... It seemed like for her, it's another subject, detached from the abomination thing about the parents for you all."

( A murmur of agreement runs through the group as they consider the implications of Miss Bloomie's words. The connection between their parents' betrayal and the "abominations" is clear, yet the mention of Pedro's mother is a mystery that adds a layer of complexity to the equation. )

Bubble: ( thoughtful ) "It's strange. Why bring up your mother specifically, Pedro? What does she have to do with all of this?"

Pedro: "Don't know. For now, let's just return to the school and take the exit Miss Bloomie mentionned."

Lizzy; Good idea, this place already gave the creeps....

( The group nods in agreement, the unsettling atmosphere of the lab and the revelations about Miss Bloomie having taken its toll. They decide to head towards the exit that Miss Bloomie had spoken about, eager to leave the strange surroundings behind them. )

Lana: ( shuddering ) "Yeah, I agree. The sooner we get out of here, the better. This place gives me the chills."

Chapter 10: Back to the school orphanage

Summary:

tenth chapter where our protagonists and their friends return back from the lab.

Chapter Text

( During this time, Miss Grace, her hand on her head, because of the blow she received to knock her out, not knowing it was Miss Circle who did it, worried about the disappearance of me and my friends )

( Back at the school, Miss Grace was in her office, her head throbbing with a dull ache from the blow she had suffered earlier. She was alone, her mind filled with thoughts of her missing students and worry over their current condition. )

Miss Grace: ( muttering ) "Where could they be...? Those kids... I hope they're safe..."

Miss Sasha ( with Miss Emily and Mister Demi ): "Miss Grace, is your head okay ?"

( Miss Grace's attention turned to her colleagues, Miss Sasha and Mr Demi. She smiled weakly, acknowledging their concern for her well-being. She gently touched the tender spot on her head, wincing slightly at the pain. )

Miss Grace: ( wincing ) "Yes, I'm alright. Just a bit tender still. That blow really knocked me out."

Miss Emily: "Still don't know who knocked you out ?"

( Miss Grace shook her head, a hint of frustration in her eyes. The elusive nature of her attacker was a mystery that remained unsolved. )

Miss Grace: ( sighing ) "No, I don't know who did it. It happened so fast, and I was alone in the office. Whoever it was, they slipped away without a trace."

Mister Demi: And still no trace of Pedro and his friends. Me, Miss Sasha and Miss Emily were never warned about disappearances cases here.

( Miss Grace's expression grew serious as the conversation shifted to the topic of Pedro and the group's disappearance. She shook her head, a frown of concern appearing on her face. )

Miss Grace: ( solemnly ) "It's true. We've had no reports or any warnings about disappearances or incidents like this. It's as if they've vanished into thin air."

( They then hear clicking footsteps and Miss Bloomie entered the office ) Miss Bloomie: "Greetings."

Mister Demi; ( annoyed ) "Oh great.... It's you."

Miss Emily: "Knew her before, Mister Demi ?"

( Miss Grace and the others turn their attention to the entrance as Miss Bloomie enters the room. Miss Grace's expression is guarded, while Mister Demi's reaction is marked with a mix of annoyance and familiarity. )

Mister Demi: ( grumbling ) "Unfortunately, yes. I've had the... pleasure of crossing paths with her before."

Miss Bloomie: "We shared the same establishment but in different paths. Still, it happened we were... Collaborating."

( The atmosphere in the room becomes even more tense as Miss Bloomie confirms her connection with Mister Demi. Miss Grace, Miss Emily, and Miss Sasha exchange glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and wariness. )

Miss Grace: ( raising an eyebrow ) "Collaboration? In what context, exactly?"

Miss Bloomie: "Some for helping his studies in music and others for helping me for my experiments during my experimentations."

( Miss Grace's eyes narrow as Miss Bloomie explains the nature of their collaboration, the mention of "experiments" standing out as particularly troubling. )

Miss Grace: ( with a hint of unease ) "Experiments, you say? That certainly sounds intriguing. And in exchange, you assisted with Mister Demi's musical endeavors, correct?"

Miss Bloomie: "We can say that until he decided to cut ties with our collaboration." ( Mister Demi crossed his arms, still in annoyance )

( Mister Demi's body language and demeanor spoke volumes of the ongoing tension, his arms crossed and his irritation still palpable. Miss Grace, Miss Emily, and Miss Sasha exchanged glances, absorbing the information and trying to decipher the underlying dynamics between Miss Bloomie and Mister Demi. )

Miss Grace: ( carefully ) "May I ask why the collaboration ended?"

( Mister Demi answered )

( Mister Demi's voice cut through the air as he answered Miss Grace's question, his tone firm but tinged with remnants of the past tension with Miss Bloomie. )

Mister Demi: "Our collaboration ended because I grew increasingly uncomfortable with the nature of these so-called 'experiments' Miss Bloomie was involved in. There were... ethical concerns, to say the least."

Miss Bloomie: "Science may required sacrifices. I already told that."

( Miss Bloomie's matter-of-fact response only seemed to grate on Mister Demi's nerves further, his eyes narrowing as he bristled at the justification she offered. )

Mister Demi: ( scoffing ) "Sacrifices, huh? That's a convenient way to describe what you did. There's a fine line between advancement and cruelty, and it seems you have no regard for where that line lies."

Miss Bloomie: "Be happy that between the two, you're not the one with a missed arm, Mister Demi. ( showing her box cutter arm ) I've hard time before getting used of working with only one normal hand."

( Mister Demi's irritation gave way to a mixture of surprise and discomfort as he took in the sight of Miss Bloomie's modified arm. He scoffed, his gaze locking with hers. )

Mister Demi: ( gritting his teeth ) "Trust me, you won't get an ounce of sympathy from me. Your choices led you to where you are today, and it seems the consequences are physical as well as moral."

Miss Bloomie: "In fact, since you were all wondering where Pedro and his friends were, I found them below the school." ( Miss Sasha and Miss Emily then answer )

( Miss Sasha and Miss Emily exchange confused glances as Miss Bloomie drops this new piece of information, their minds working to process the news. )

Miss Sasha: ( her voice laced with a hint of concern ) "Wait, you found them? Below the school? Are they... are they alright?"

Miss Bloomie: "Only Engel was badly hurt. I give them a medication so he can heal quickly. Since I showed them the exit, they should be on their way."

( The group absorbs this update, relief washing over them at the news that the group was discovered and that Engel's injuries were being tended to. Miss Grace, Miss Sasha, and Miss Emily exchange a mixture of relief and lingering apprehension. )

Miss Grace: ( relieved yet still cautious ) "That's... a weight off our shoulders. If Engel is healing, and the others are on their way, that's a positive development. But how did you... how did you find them, Miss Bloomie?"

Miss Bloomie: "They were in my private workplace which, on accord with former Miss Scissors, I could continue my experiments ONLY if it isn't during my class." ( that makes react Mister Demi )

( Mister Demi's expression darkened as Miss Bloomie mentioned her experiments in her private workplace, the memories of his past experiences with her all too fresh in his mind. )

Mister Demi: ( gritting his teeth ) "Of course. Your 'experiments.' How could I forget?"

( Miss Grace and the others notice his reaction, sensing the tension in the room escalating once again. )

Miss Bloomie; "I also find them with three missing students during almost 2 years below the school. Oliver, Edward and Zip, if you remember them ?"

( At the mention of Oliver, Edward, and Zip, a wave of shock ripples through Miss Grace, Miss Sasha, and Miss Emily. The realization that these long-lost students were also found and likely involved in this situation only deepens the concern and intrigue. )

Miss Grace: ( stunned ) "Oliver, Edward, and Zip? The students who disappeared two years ago... you found them too?"

Miss Bloomie: "They were living like rats just next to my private workplace. I'm still surprised that they managed to survive all this time there in a dangerous place."

( The mention of the students living in such precarious conditions for so long leaves the group visibly shocked and concerned. Miss Grace, Miss Sasha, and Miss Emily struggle to wrap their heads around the idea of their students living as fugitives in the dangerous depths of the school. )

Miss Sasha: ( worried ) "They were... living down there? Surviving on their own for two years? It's... hard to believe they managed to last so long in such a hostile environment.."

Miss Bloomie: "Still, concerning Cubbie, Skell, Petunia and Bubble, you may see some changes on them." ( Mister Demi reacts )

( As Miss Bloomie brings up the possible change in Cubbie, Skell, Petunia, and Bubble, Mister Demi's reaction intensifies, his expression one of wariness mixed with anger. )

Mister Demi: ( gritting his teeth ) "What do you mean 'changes'? What exactly did you do to them, Miss Bloomie? And don't you dare tell me it's 'for science' again."

Miss Bloomie: "I was testing some harmless tests to see how it goes. Sadly, one of them ( mentionning Bubble ), if she didn't struggle too much, she would still have a face and mouth. Don't worry thou, her voice is intact."

( Mister Demi's anger flares as he hears Bubble's fate being casually dismissed as part of 'harmless tests.' His fists clench tightly as he struggles to maintain his composure. )

Mister Demi: ( through gritted teeth ) "Harmless tests, you call it? Her face and mouth... that's not something you can just nonchalantly write off as collateral damage. And let me guess, the rest of them are dealing with their own 'changes' as well, correct?"

Miss Bloomie: "They had their own changes, of course. However, I'll let you all see by yourselves. ( when me and my friends arrive ) Here they are."

( The conversation is interrupted as the distant sound of voices and footsteps echoes through the corridor. The group turns towards the entrance as the approaching footsteps grow louder, the anticipation building as they wait for Pedro and the others to appear. )

( Miss Grace, Miss Sasha, and Miss Emily exchange nervous glances, bracing themselves for what they might see when Pedro, Cubbie, Skell, Petunia, and the rest of the group appear in front of them after their long absence. )

Pedro: "Uh, hey.... Miss Grace, Emily, Sasha and Mister Demi... Sorry in advance if... We were missing for that long... It wasn't willingly...."

( A mixture of relief and concern washes over Miss Grace, Miss Sasha, and Miss Emily's faces as Pedro and the rest of the group step into the office, apologies on their lips. Each of them looks a bit weary and weary from their ordeal, but they're nonetheless alive. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice filled with relief ) "Oh, thank goodness... you're safe. We were so worried about you... come here, all of you."

( She strides forward, pulling them into a tight group hug, the weight of their absence lifting from her shoulders. Mister Demi saw Petunia, Cubbie, Bubble and Skell with their own changes because of Miss Bloomie's tests )

( As everyone gathered in the hug, Mister Demi's eyes widened as he caught sight of Petunia, Cubbie, Bubble, and Skell. The changes that Miss Bloomie had hinted at were now visible, and each one sent a pang of anger and concern through his chest. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice filled with shock and anger ) "Wha... what the hell... what did she do to you all?"

Petunia: "I've been changed into an anthropomorphic bunny."

Cubbie: "Me as an anthropomorphic cat."

Bubble: "My hair felt different, like bubbles and I don't know what happened to my face."

Skell: "I'm like a sort of human bat, maybe. Not a big deal for me."

( Each of their responses only deepened Mister Demi's outrage. The fact that these changes were the result of the 'harmless tests' that Miss Bloomie had so casually mentioned earlier fueled his anger further. )

Mister Demi: ( his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists ) "Harmless tests, my a**. These aren't harmless; these are irreversible physical alterations. Why did she do this to all of you?"

Cubbie: "She said she wanted to help us only because she saw that we either weren't happy or not in the best health condition."

( Cubbie's response only added more fuel to Mister Demi's anger. The idea that Miss Bloomie had targeted them under the guise of 'helping' them, only to subject them to such physical alterations, filled him with a mixture of anger and disbelief. )

Mister Demi: ( growling ) "Help? Help? That's a twisted way of helping someone. She wasn't trying to help; she was using you all as guinea pigs for her experiments. Those changes? They're not help; they're a violation of your bodies."

Miss Emily: "Wow, Mister Demi, calm down..."

( Miss Emily's gentle plea for calm broke through the heat of Mister Demi's anger, causing him to take a deep breath and compose himself slightly. He ran a hand through his hair, visibly trying to rein in his anger. )

Mister Demi: ( with a hint of frustration ) "I'm trying to calm down, but seeing what she did to them... it's... it's infuriating. How can I be calm when I see the results of her 'tests' right in front of me?"

Skell: "Well, at least we four are in better condition than the mutations that were roaming the lab. Apparently, even Miss Bloomie wanted to dispose of them."

( The revelation that there were even more 'mutations' in the lab that were in worse condition than those standing before them only added to the group's shock and concern. Mister Demi's eyes widened, a mixture of anger and sympathy in his gaze. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice barely concealing his anger ) "Dispose? She had even more... experiments down there in worse condition than you four? Where are they now? What will happen to them?"

Miss Bloomie: "For the moment, only one remains but it's too large to even move. The wendigo one was indirectly killed by Oliver and his... New prostetic arm." ( she pointed the pencil arm of Oliver )

( Mister Demi's eyes followed Miss Bloomie's gesture to Oliver's prosthetic arm, a mix of surprise and realization crossing his face. The revelation that one of these 'mutations' had been directly or indirectly killed by Oliver using his new prosthetic arm only added a new layer to the story. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice quiet ) "One remains, you say... and Oliver... he killed one with his... prosthetic arm? How in the world... ?"

Oliver: "Well.. I saved Pedro of been killed by this thing and.... I lost my arm in the process. Edward then uses a pencil as a replacement for my lost arm in a desesperate moment."

( Mister Demi's shock and disbelief only deepened as Oliver recounted the ordeal that resulted in the loss of his arm and its replacement with a makeshift pencil one. The desperate measures Oliver and Edward had resorted to sent a pang of both respect and sadness coursing through Mister Demi's chest. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice quiet, filled with empathy ) "You... lost your arm saving Pedro and... had a pencil used as a temporary replacement? Damn, that's... that's..."

Miss Sasha: "That must be very traumatic."

( Miss Sasha's words echoed the sentiments of many in the room. The thought of Oliver losing his arm and the trauma and desperation that must have come with the experience was a heavy weight on everyone's hearts. )

( Mister Demi, for his part, simply nodded, his expression pained as the reality of Oliver's situation sunk in more deeply. )

Mister Demi: ( quietly ) "That's an understatement..."

Zip: "Yeah Dude and dudettes. And how this wendigo thing was killed... Pedro managed to hurt it badly but he couldn't give the final blow because his weapon broke and by collapsing, the creature's head was impaled into Oliver's pencil arm."

( Zip's description of how the wendigo mutation was ultimately killed added another layer of horror and surprise. The mental image of the creature being impaled into Oliver's pencil arm after Pedro's weapon had failed sent a collective shudder through the group, their faces a mixture of shock, concern, and respect for Oliver's strength in such a dire situation. )

( Mister Demi's expression darkened even further, his grip on his own arm tightening as he envisioned the scene in his mind. )

Miss Bloomie: "But for the Human moth one.... I don't know what happened exactly but when I arrived in the same room as all of them, the creature was already injured. I finished the job myself. It was an annoyance, anyway."

( Miss Bloomie's words sent another pang of surprise and curiosity through the group. The mention of the Human Moth mutation being injured before her arrival, and her casual dismissal of its demise, added more layers of mystery and concern. )

( Mister Demi's eyes narrowed, his mind working to piece together the puzzle before them with each new piece of information. )

Mister Demi: ( a hint of suspicion in his voice ) "You don't know what injured it? It was simply... already hurt when you arrived?"

Claire: "Well, Miss Circle arrived by surprise in the place and injured the creature badly by throwing it against a wall."

Kevin: "And with the big trace of blood on the impact, sure the injury was very serious."

( Claire and Kevin's account of Miss Circle's unexpected arrival and the violent attack she unleashed on the Human Moth mutation only further added to the growing puzzle. The idea of their former teacher suddenly appearing and inflicting serious injury on the creature with such brute force... it sent a chill down the spines of those present, including Mister Demi. )

( The mention of the blood trace left behind on the wall only emphasized the violence of the attack, a testament to the intensity of the confrontation that had taken place. )

Miss Bloomie: "Mister Demi, Miss Sasha and Miss Emily. You know that Miss Circle, formely Victoria Circlemoon, is now insane because of everything that happens to her."

( Mister Demi's expression hardened slightly as Miss Bloomie reminded him of Miss Circle's unfortunate descent into madness. The mention of her former identity as Victoria Circlemoon only added a touch of personal significance to her current state. The others in the room, including Miss Sasha and Miss Emily, looked equally concerned at the reminder. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice quiet ) "Yes, we're aware of her mental state. It's... it's a tragedy, what's become of her."

Miss Bloomie: ( she turns to Pedro, his friends but also Kevin, Robby, Riley, Cubbie, Skell, Lizzy, Petunia, Oliver, Edward and Zip ) "You can let us talk in private, now."

( Mister Demi, Miss Sasha, and Miss Emily exchanged glances, clearly understanding the implications behind Miss Bloomie's words. They nodded quietly, gesturing to the others to give them a moment alone with Miss Bloomie. The other students, including Kevin, Robby, and the others, reluctantly agreed, stepping aside to allow the adults a private conversation. )

( After Pedro and the others have left ) Miss Bloomie: "By the way, Miss Grace, did you know Pedro was there the night when you were knocked out ? Well, Miss Circle spotted him inside and his violent reaction made Miss Circle hitting the wall where this sword above her made a clean cut on her crooked left arm."

( Miss Bloomie's new revelation only further deepened the mystery and shock surrounding the incident. The thought of Pedro being present the night Miss Grace was knocked out, and his violent reaction leading to the serious injury of Miss Circle... it was a lot to process. )

( Miss Grace's eyes widened, her voice laced with surprise and concern as she absorbed the new information. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice a mix of shock and disbelief ) "Pedro... he was there that night? And his reaction... led to that kind of injury?"

Miss Bloomie: "And this time, I did nothing. Miss Circle made her compass arm herself by pushing it deep in her cut arm."

( Another shock rippled through the group at the continued revelations, the image of Miss Circle harming herself with her own compass arm was both distressing and baffling to absorb. )

( Miss Grace's expression turned even more distressed, her eyes wide with shock and concern as she tried to reconcile the new information with what they already knew. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice filled with a mixture of horror and pity ) "She... she harmed herself with her own compass arm? Why ?"

( Miss Bloomie: Surely by instincts. Anyway, If Mister Demi already showed why there's things I shouldn't be trusted, you all should watch yourself with Miss Circle. Miss Grace's worry only deepened upon hearing Miss Bloomie's blunt statement about Miss Circle's mental state and its potential unpredictability. The thought of having to watch out for their former teacher, someone they had trusted and cared for, sent a ripple of concern through the group. )

( Mister Demi, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't help but clench his jaw in response to Miss Bloomie's warning. His expression darkened as he contemplated the seriousness of the situation. )

Miss Circle ( arriving with her usual sly grin ) "My ears are burning. You're talking about me ?"

( The arrival of Miss Circle, with her signature sly grin, caught the attention of the gathered group. The sudden interruption sent a wave of surprise and apprehension through them, especially as her comment indicated she had heard at least part of the conversation. )

( Miss Grace, still visibly shaken, swallowed hard as she turned her gaze to face Miss Circle. Mister Demi, meanwhile, clenched his fists, his gaze hardening as he studied the familiar yet changed woman before them. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice cautiously ) "Miss Circle... I didn't expect you to... arrive so suddenly."

( Her words were carefully chosen, a mix of surprise and apprehension in her tone. The sight of Miss Circle, still bearing her sly grin, only added an extra layer of unease to the moment. )

Miss Circle: "I took time below only because I had to take care of something. Let's taking care of the vermins."

( The group exchanged uneasy glances at Miss Circle's casual reference to the "vermins," the term she had used for the mutations with clear disdain and dismissiveness. While Miss Grace seemed to shrink slightly at the mention, Mister Demi's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing in anger. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice sharp ) "Let's stop calling those mutations 'vermins'. They're not mere rodents to be exterminated."

Miss Circle: "Even back then as a child, Mister Demi, you were always too soft."

( Mister Demi's irritation flared at Miss Circle's comment, the dig at his past as a "soft" person clearly hitting a nerve. His eyes darkened, the anger in his voice more pronounced as he responded. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice tight with anger ) "Being soft and being humane are not the same thing, Miss Circle. Something you seem to have forgotten."

Miss Circle: "At least, I have now the attention of the students now that I have this new arm." ( she looked at her compass arm )

( Miss Circle's comment tugged at a nerve within the group, especially within Mister Demi, who clenched his teeth at her nonchalant bragging about her arm. The idea of her being admired for such a cruel weapon was a bitter pill to swallow. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice filled with anger and disdain ) "Attention? You think that attention is something to be proud of when it's based on fear and intimidation? That compass arm... it's just a tool of cruelty, nothing more."

Miss Circle: "I'm just giving some Order in this school. Otherwise, we'll only have students fooling around instead of study." ( For Miss Grace, she already heared those words. They came from Miss Scissors, even thou Miss Circle hated her )

( Miss Circle's declaration echoed the familiar words of Miss Scissors, a painful reminder of the former principal's strict methods. The comparison was not lost on the other teachers, especially Miss Grace, who winced slightly as she heard the echoes of Miss Scissors' voice in Miss Circle's words. )

( Mister Demi's anger only grew more pronounced at the reminder of the school's dark past as he spoke, his voice filled with anger and bitterness. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice heated ) "Order? You're just repeating Miss Scissors' authoritarian playbook."

Miss Sasha: "Yes, you also hated her, Miss Circle."

( Miss Sasha's comment landed like a punch, the mention of Miss Circle's past hatred for Miss Scissors not going unnoticed. The statement hung heavily in the air, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense atmosphere. )

( Miss Circle's smile wavered for a moment, her expression hardening slightly as the memories of her past anger and resentment towards Miss Scissors were brought up. She remained silent for a beat, her eyes flickering between Miss Sasha and Mister Demi, a myriad of emotions flitting across her face. )

Miss Emily: "You don't have to continue this way."

Miss Circle: "Sadly, Pedro made me this way so if you want to blame someone, he's the right culprit. It's because of him if I lost my arm and have to wear this compass arm."

( The shift in Miss Circle's tone towards anger and blame sent a shockwave through the group, her words painting Pedro as the culprit behind her current state. The mention of her lost arm and the new compass arm in its place only amplified the pain and bitterness in her voice. )

( Mister Demi, in particular, was the one most affected by Miss Circle's accusation. His eyes widened in shock and anger, his voice rising in protest as he spoke up in defense of Pedro. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice heated ) "Don't you dare blame Pedro! He's not responsible for what happened to you!"

Miss Circle: "Who just kicked me on the chin and made me bump the same wall where the blade was until it cuts my arm in a clean cut.? And also, every student should've been sleeping during the night so why was he still up ? ( silence ) That's what I thought."

( As Miss Circle laid out her logic, the room fell silent, the weight of her accusation hanging heavily in the air. Her question about Pedro's whereabouts at the time of the incident was met with a tense, guilty silence, each person in the group knowing well the truth of the matter. )

( Miss Grace was the first to break the silence, her voice hesitant and filled with a mixture of worry and guilt. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice quiet ) "Pedro... was supposed to be sleeping."

Miss Emily: "Wait a second,, there must be an explanation..." ( Miss Grace interrupts her )

( Miss Emily's attempt to find a rational explanation was cut off by Miss Grace, who interrupted with a quiet urgency in her voice. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice firm and pained ) "No, Emily. There's no excuse. Pedro should've been in bed like everyone else... and he wasn't."

( The disappointment and frustration in her voice was palpable as she struggled to reconcile the idea of a student, especially one as beloved as Pedro, breaking the school rules. )

Miss Bloomie: "And knowing that like his friends, he was below the school, a off-limits place as much as the room where Miss Circle was when she was younger, we can't just let past that."

( The revelation that Pedro and the others had been in an off-limits area, just like Miss Circle had been in her younger years, only deepened the gravity of the situation. Miss Circle's eyes darkened, the information serving as a pointed reminder of both past transgressions and current rule-breaking behavior. )

( Mister Demi's eyes narrowed, his anger still simmering from the earlier accusations towards Pedro, he clenched his fists again as he spoke. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice tight ) "So Pedro knew the rules, and he knowingly disregarded them."

Miss Sasha: "But why would he and his friends do that ?"

( Miss Sasha's question, posed with genuine confusion, echoed the thoughts of everyone present. Why would Pedro and the others risk venturing into an off-limits area knowingly? )

( Miss Grace herself looked troubled, her usually calm composure giving way to a hint of frustration and pain. She sighed, her voice quiet as she tried to come up with an explanation, even an excuse, for Pedro's actions. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice quiet ) "Perhaps he had his reasons... perhaps... he thought he had a good reason, a valid reason, for breaking the rules..."

Mister Demi: "But like what ? If this place is off-limits."

( Mister Demi's question posed another question, digging deeper into the motive behind Pedro's rule-breaking. If the place was off-limits, then what could have possibly driven him to venture there in the first place? )

( Miss Grace struggled to find an answer, her brows furrowed in thought, her voice laced with a mix of anger and concern. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice tight ) "I don't know. I don't understand why he would risk it... unless..."

( Miss Grace's voice trailed off, a realization slowly dawning on her. Her anger and frustration gave way to a quiet dread, her eyes widening as another possibility occurred to her, a possibility that she didn't want to consider, but one that couldn't be ignored. )

( Mister Demi, who had been studying her expression closely, caught on to her growing realization, his own expression darkening as he braced himself for the implications of her words. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice low ) "Unless what, Miss Grace..?"

( The air in the room grew heavy, charged with a quiet tension as Mister Demi prodded Miss Grace for an answer. The others exchanged nervous glances, their eyes flickering between the two, each silently anticipating her response. Miss Grace's hands clenched into fists, her voice low and hesitant as she finally gave voice to the thought that had been nagging at her mind, the possibility she had tried to avoid facing. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice quiet, with a hint of dread ) "Unless... he was looking for something... something that only that place had..."

( The realization hit the group like a jolt, the silent, terrible implication of Miss Grace's words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. Miss Sasha's eyes widened in horror, the color draining from her face as the true gravity of the situation sunk in. Mister Demi's gaze hardened, his jaw clenching as he understood exactly what Miss Grace was suggesting. )

( Miss Circle, who had remained uncharacteristically quiet until now, broke her silence, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. )

Miss Circle: ( coldly ) "Looking for something... or someone."

( Miss Circle's words sent another shockwave through the group, the suggestion that Pedro had not only been in an off-limits area but also may have been searching for someone there intensifying the dread and concern in the room. Miss Grace's expression grew more pained, her voice barely a whisper as she spoke again, her words laced with a mix of horror and disappointment. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice barely above a whisper ) "But who... who could he have been looking for... in that place...?"

Chapter 11: Breaking the rules ( intro )

Summary:

11th chapter when Ruby is been repaired ( a short chapter but preparing for what's coming next )

Chapter Text

( From my side and my friends's, we're in Kevin's dorm as him, Robby and Edward are trying to see if Ruby isn't irrecuperable after the liquid smoke from the decontamination system in the underround lab fried her system )

Abbie: "So.. Uh, ... Can she still be saved despite her system been fried ?"

( Within Kevin's dorm, the anxious discussions continued as Abbie posed the all-important question. Kevin, Robby, and Edward exchanged anxious glances, their concern for Ruby evident. The thought of her being beyond recovery after the system overload from the decontamination system left them visibly worried. )

( Edward, who had been monitoring Ruby's condition closely, spoke up, his voice tense and hopeful. )

Edward: ( his voice hopeful ) "She's still breathing. That's a good sign, right? That means her system is still... functioning, maybe not fully, but still."

Engel ( still have a little time to adjust after been healed ): "And... for how long until she';; be reactivated ?"

( Engel, still adjusting after his recent recovery, posed another question, his eyes fixed on Ruby, his concern mirroring the rest of the group's. Kevin, Robby, and Edward exchanged a glance, their expressions uncertain as they considered Engel's question. Edward, being the one with the most knowledge, spoke up, though the uncertainty in his voice was palpable. )

Edward: ( his voice cautious ) "It's... difficult to say for certain. The extent of the damage to her system is unknown. It could take some time before she's fully operational again..."

Skell: "It's not like we're too hurry anyway." ( Lana turns to his direction )

( Skell's casual remark, coupled with Lana's glance in his direction, drew a reaction from the others. Kevin shot a disapproving glare Skell's way, his lips set in a thin, disapproving line at his friend's laid-back attitude. )

Kevin: ( his voice stern ) "This is serious, Skell. Ruby's deactivated condition is no joke. We need to be patient and give her time to recover properly."

( I then see three dots on the screen of Ruby's tv head )

Pedro: "Uh, is that normal ?"

( The sudden appearance of the three dots on Ruby's TV Head drew the attention of everyone in the room. At first, there was a collective moment of confusion as they all stared at the screen, unsure of what the dots signified. )

( Kevin, his voice filled with confusion and concern, was the first to speak up, his eyes locked on the TV Head. )

Kevin: ( his voice wary ) "That... that can't be good, can it? Those dots... what are they supposed to mean?"

( The screen of Ruby's tv head then shows some writing: " Update downloading " with a downloading bar. The sight of the 'update downloading' message on Ruby's TV Head added another layer of uncertainty to the situation. The progress bar slowly advancing filled the room with a tense anticipation as everyone watched it, anxiously waiting for something to happen. )

( Edward, his eyes focused intently on the screen, broke the silence, his voice laced with a mix of hope and concern. )

Edward: ( his voice hopeful yet cautious ) "Is... is that an update? Is she... starting to reactivate?"

( Once the update finished, we all saw Ruby's body changing. Ruby has now a white flat-screened television for her head. Her black monitor displays box-shaped eyes, eyebrows, a mouth, and cheeks, all of which are colored light pink. Her hair is blonde and knee-length. She also has two black horns, with a rainbow arch in between them, accessorized with a pink bow.
Ruby’s torso is in the shape of a cone, and her arms are blocky. She sports a pastel collared sleeveless shirt, with a white overall dress over it. A pastel-colored rainbow is on the center of the overalls. Her attire is finished with pastel-colored leg warmers and black shoes. Her limbs are black, however, her wrists are white. She also appears to have a black plug for a tail. Her height is now the same as Skell's )

( As the update completed and the screen of Ruby's TV Head flared to life, displaying the completely different form she now inhabited, there was a collective gasp from the group. Each of them regarded her new form with a mixture of shock, surprise, and fascination. Kevin's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the cone-shaped torso, the flat screen, the long, flowing hair, the horns, and the overall pastel colors. Even Skell, normally so nonchalant, stared silently, obviously shocked and taken aback by the drastic change in Ruby's appearance. )

( In the stunned silence that followed, it was Edward who finally spoke up, his voice filled with astonishment and disbelief. He took a step forward, his eyes tracing the contours of Ruby's new form, as if trying to reconcile the two very different Ruby's in front of him. )

Edward: ( his voice a stunned whisper ) "Ruby... is that really you? You... you look completely different... You're... you're like a... a..."

( He trailed off, too gobsmacked to even find the right words to describe her new look. )

Pedro: "A magical girl."

( The casual way in which Pedro completed Edward's sentence, using the term 'magical girl' to describe Ruby, took everyone a moment to process. Kevin, Robby, and Skell exchanged puzzled glances. )

Kevin: ( his voice incredulous ) "Wait, a 'magical girl'? You mean... like in those animes and games?"

Robby: ( a hint of skepticism in his voice ) "But they're not real. It's just fiction, right?"

( Ruby look at her new hands and her reflection from a mirror )

( As Ruby looked down at her new, blocky hands and then at her reflection in the nearby mirror, her eyes widened in wonder and confusion. The sight of her own new form, so different and fantastical, was clearly taking some getting used to. Edward, watching her from the side, couldn't help but smile at her expression of surprise and bewilderment. )

Edward: ( his voice gentle and reassuring ) "It's a lot to take in, I know... but you look... you look..."

( He paused, searching for the right word to describe her new appearance. )

Robby: "Pretty ?"

( Robby's quiet question, the single word "Pretty?", seemed to hang in the air, an observation that echoed the sentiment everyone in the room was thinking, even if they hesitated to verbalize it. Edward chuckled softly at that, shaking his head lightly at Robby's simple and yet accurate description. )

Edward: ( a crooked smile on his face ) "Yes, Robby. Pretty..."

( He glanced back at Ruby, his eyes taking in her new form once again, before nodding in agreement. Kevin and Skell, too, nodded, a mix of surprise and reluctant admission in their expressions. )

Ruby: "Uh, why are you all looking at me like that ?"

( Ruby's sudden question snapped the group out of their admiring stares, and they looked at her for a moment, realizing that they had all been unabashedly gawking at her new form. Edward, ever the polite one, quickly recovered, clearing his throat and responding, his voice soft and reassuring. )

Edward: ( his voice warm and sincere ) "Sorry, Ruby. It's just... you look so different. We're still getting used to your new look. But, you look... lovely, really."

( The others nodded in agreement, their expressions sincere and sincere. )

Pedro: "Still, Ruby, that new look fits you like a glove."

( Each of the friends chimed in, their voices a chorus of agreement. Kevin spoke up first, offering his opinion with a grin. )

Kevin: ( his voice filled with confidence ) "Yeah, I second that. You're rocking this new style, Ruby. The pretty colors and the whole 'magical girl' vibe... it suits you."

( Robby was next to add his word to the sentiment, his voice tinged with a hint of admiration. )

Robby: ( his voice sincere and earnest ) "Absolutely. You look... beautiful, actually."

Chapter 12: Breaking the rules part 1

Summary:

12th chapter when a bold decision is made.

Chapter Text

( Later )

Pedro: "Ah, Engel, looks you're fully healed now."

( The conversation between the friends continued as they turned their attention towards Engel, who had been quietly listening in on their conversation up until that point. It was true, the healing process had indeed worked wonders; Engel looked much more energetic and animated now, his once-injured body now fully recovered and operating at full capacity. )

Engel: ( a wide grin spreading across his face ) "Yep, fit as a fiddle now! I'm all good!"

( There was a palpable sense of relief among the group at seeing Engel fully healed, and the atmosphere lightened further at his cheerful exclamation. Kevin clapped Engel on the shoulder in camaraderie, a wide smile on his face. )

Kevin: ( his voice filled with relief and joy ) "About time, man! Good to have you back to normal. No more hobbling around and being cranky."

( The group shared a round of chuckles at Kevin's comment, glad to have Engel back to his usual self. Skell chimed in, a smirk playing at the edge of his lips. )

Skell: ( his tone teasing but playful ) "Yeah, I was getting tired of all your grumpy groaning and complaining."

Claire: "Still one thing for sure: Miss Circle isn't fooling around. If she wants to kill or injured someone, she'll do it shamelessly."

( Claire's comment about Miss Circle's ruthless nature brought a brief somberness to the group, reminding them of the gravity of the situation they were in. Kevin's expression darkened as he remembered the events at the underground lab. )

Kevin: ( his voice tight and filled with anger ) "You can say that again. That woman... she's a menace. No remorse, no mercy. She'll stop at nothing to get what she wants. She even..."

( He trailed off, not wanting to delve further into the darker details. )

Lizzy: "Now that we think about it... ( she turns at Pedro ) She said she was thankful you made her lost her arm as she decided to make herself this compass arm of hers. How is that ?"

( Lizzy's question, directed at Pedro, sparked a momentary pause within the group as an uncomfortable realization dawned on everyone's faces. It was evident that everyone was aware of the incident involving Pedro and Miss Circle, and the subsequent consequences. )

( The others exchanged glances, the tension in the room growing palpable as they silently waited for Pedro's response, all silently curious to hear his take on Miss Circle's words. Skell was the first to speak up, his voice low and serious. )

Skell: ( his eyes locked on Pedro ) "Yeah... any thoughts on that, Pedro?"

Pedro: "When It happened, I was in Miss Grace's office. I wanted to told her about Bubble's disappearance but she was knocked out... And Miss Circle spotted me..."

( The room went perfectly silent as Pedro recounted the events leading up to his unexpected encounter with Miss Circle. The others listened intently, the tension in the room increasing with each word Pedro spoke. Even Engel, who was usually more nonchalant and carefree, leaned forward in concern and listened attentively. )

( Kevin's mouth set in a tight line as he processed Pedro's words, his eyes narrowed in thought. Skell fidgeted anxiously, a frown on his face as he processed what he was hearing. )

Pedro: "She even admitted that she knocked out Miss Grace. She said it was to prevent her to be a thorn to her intentions here but she didn't say much."

( Pedro's revelation that it had been Miss Circle who had knocked out Miss Grace sent a shock through the room. Even the usually stoic Skell visibly flinched at the news; the idea of someone as respected and well-liked as Miss Grace being attacked and rendered unconscious by someone as unstable as Miss Circle was deeply distressing. )

( Kevin's hands clenched into fists as he absorbed the information, anger and disbelief in his voice. )

Kevin: ( his voice taut and cold ) "She attacked Miss Grace? Just to keep her out of the way? That's.... that's sick…"

Pedro: "And when I kicked Miss CIrcle's chin, I thought she would just back away a little but instead, she hits the wall where a sword was above the wall and in a clean cut, it cuts her crooked left arm and I ran from the room before chasing me."

( A collective gasp echoed in the room as Pedro continued recounting the events, his words painting a vivid image of the moment when he kicked Miss Circle and inadvertently triggered a chain of events that resulted in her losing her arm. The others were clearly shocked and disturbed by the turn the conversation had taken. Kevin's eyes widened in horror, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and worry. )

Kevin: ( his voice barely above a whisper ) "You... you kicked her and that's how her arm got cut off? It was all an accident?"

Pedro: "Yeah, unliike what Miss Circle tried to make it sound, It wasn't my intention to make her lose her left arm. For the compass arm, however. she said it when we were in the underground lab, she makes it herself."

( The revelation that Miss Circle's assertion about Pedro being responsible for her injury was a deliberate exaggeration brought a wave of anger and frustration to the group. Kevin's frown deepened even further, his voice laced with anger and disbelief. )

Kevin: ( his voice tight and cold ) "Of course. That woman is nothing but lies and manipulations. She'll twist the truth to suit her own narrative. And she made that compass arm herself? Of course, she did. She was planning this all along. It's clear now that she's been scheming behind our backs for... who knows for how long."

Robby: "And apparently for what we heard from some discussions between the other students,, Miss Circle became more strict and less forgiving in her class since she had her compass arm."

( The others nodded in agreement as Robby shared what he knew about Miss Circle's behavior since acquiring the compass arm. Kevin's eyes narrowed as he absorbed this new information, the pieces of the puzzle slowly starting to come together in his mind. )

Kevin: ( his voice grim and frustrated ) "Sounds like her new arm has brought out the worst in her. She's gone from strict to downright ruthless. It's like she's lost what little humanity she had left."

( The others around the room exchanged dark glances, the realization that Miss Circle was becoming increasingly ruthless and unforgiving with her compass arm clear in everyone's minds. Engel let out a low growl of frustration, his hands clenched into fists. )

Engel: ( his voice filled with anger ) "This is getting out of hand. Miss Circle is turning into a total monster with that compass arm. She needs to be stopped before she does more damage."

Pedro: "And knowing she hurted you badly while you were defending Abbie in the underground lab...."

( The mention of the incident in the underground lab brought a somber mood back to the group, the memory of Engel's injuries at the hands of Miss Circle a stark reminder of the dangers they were facing. Kevin's fists clenched at his sides, his voice tight with anger and worry. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and worried ) "Yeah... I remember that. Engel tried to stand up to him and what did he get in return? A beatdown. She hurt him badly that day. It was... it was too much."

Bubble: "And right we're speaking, Miss Circle is maybe making the other teachers and Miss Grace believe to her version of the events."

( The thought of Miss Circle manipulating others and spreading her version of events was incredibly worrying for the group. Kevin's frown deepened as he considered the possibility, his voice laced with frustration. )

Kevin: ( his voice sharp and angry ) "Yeah, you're right. She's probably up there, spinning lies and manipulating everyone. We need to think of a way to set the record straight before she turns everyone against us."

Claire: "Still, I know that Miss Bloomie told us all to never return in the underground lab but... I don't know, it's like she's hiding something.."

( The mention of Miss Bloomie and the underground lab brought a pause to the conversation. Kevin's expression turned thoughtful, his brows furrowing in concentration as he considered Claire's suspicion. )

Kevin: ( his voice skeptical ) "Hiding something? You really think there might be something down there worth checking out? Don't forget, Miss Bloomie told us to stay away for a reason."

( The others exchanged uncertain glances, the idea of exploring the underground lab despite Miss Bloomie's warnings clearly weighing heavily on their minds. Engel in particular looked hesitant, his expression wary. )

Engel: ( his voice skeptical yet also curious ) "Yeah, Miss Bloomie made a big deal about staying away. But Claire has a point, as well. What's so important that Miss Bloomie doesn't want anyone near?"

Pedro: "Knowing how Miss Bloomie is a scientist in addition of our science teacher, she must have a lot of secrets in her hands."

( Kevin nodded in agreement as Pedro brought up the fact that Miss Bloomie was also a scientist in addition to being their science teacher. The realization that she likely had access to a wide range of experiments and inventions heightened the curiosity of the group. )

Kevin: ( his voice filled with intrigue ) "Yeah, you're right. With Miss Bloomie being both a teacher and a scientist, there's no telling what sort of secrets and projects she might be working on back in that lab. It's not impossible that she has something special down there."

( The thought of what Miss Bloomie might be working on in the underground lab added a new layer of intrigue and mystery to the situation. The others in the room were now visibly more interested, their curiosity piqued. )

( Engel especially seemed to be considering the possibility of venturing down to the lab and seeing for themselves. )

Engel: ( his voice low and contemplative ) "But... it seems like a bit of a risk still. If Miss Bloomie doesn't want us down there for a reason, there must be a good reason, right? Maybe we shouldn't push our luck."

Abbie: "But... uh... Is that true what she said ? That our parents, minus Pedro's ones, became an abomination despite Miss Bloomie's warnings ?"

( The sudden mention of the fate of the other parents sparked a moment of stunned silence amongst the group. Kevin's expression turned serious as he considered Abbie's question, his voice quiet and tense. )

Kevin: ( his voice tight with anger and frustration ) "Yeah... it's true. All the parents, except for Pedro's, became those... abominations, as she put it. Miss Bloomie tried to warn them, I heard, but... they didn't listen to her. Now look where that got them."

Pedro: "But still, Miss Bloomie only mentionned my mother and said that she was a ticking time bomb while my father, she said nothing;.."

( Kevin's frown deepened as he considered Pedro's comment about Miss Bloomie's statements about his parents. The revelation that Miss Bloomie had only mentioned Pedro's mother as a potential threat, while being silent about his father, was puzzling indeed. )

Kevin: ( his voice thoughtful ) "Yeah... that's an interesting point. Miss Bloomie didn't say anything about your father. Only your mother. Why would she warn you about your mom specifically but not your dad?"

( The others in the room exchanged puzzled glances as well, bewildered by the seeming double standard in Miss Bloomie's warning about Pedro's parents. Engel chimed in, his voice a little wary. )

Engel: ( his voice curious, but skeptical ) "That is strange. Why would Miss Bloomie single out your mother and not your father? What makes her the specific 'ticking time bomb', while your dad is somehow different?"

Pedro: "Not sure.... Maybe my dad was off the hook, i don't know...."

( Kevin considered Pedro's words, his frown deepening in confusion and frustration. The mystery around the difference in warning between Pedro's parents only added to the uncertainty and worry he felt. )

Kevin: ( his voice thoughtful ) "If your dad was somehow off the hook for some reason, what could that reason have been? Did he do something different than your mother? Or did he just.. got lucky? Is there something we're missing here?"

Pedro: "To be honest, I don't know. For my mother, Miss Bloomie said she was locked in a clinic so... She didn't became with the parents of all of you into this abomination."

( Upon hearing that Pedro's mother had been locked in a clinic before she could transform like the other parents, the others grew even more perplexed and concerned. Kevin crossed his arms, his voice filled with disbelief and confusion. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and skeptical ) "Locked in a clinic... so she was kept separate from the other parents? Then... she never had the chance to become what the others have become? Is that what you're implying?"

Pedro: "Surely. But with the tone she made when she talked about her, it's almost like they were close friends. Not partners in crime for Miss Bloomie's experiments or the parents of all of you's case but still...."

( Kevin nodded as Pedro's words sunk in, a realization slowly dawning on him. The way Miss Bloomie spoke of Pedro's mother, in a tone tinged with a hint of friendship and closeness, suggested a deeper history between them. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and thoughtful ) "So... you're saying that Miss Bloomie and your mom were more than just acquaintances? That they were actually pretty close, maybe even friends?"

Pedro: "Yeah, when she talked about your parents of all of you, she was acting like herself but about my mother, she seemed... Betrayed ? Hateful ? Something like that."

( Kevin's frown deepened as he absorbed Pedro's further description of Miss Bloomie's behavior when talking about different parents. The way she acted differently when discussing other parents compared to Pedro's mom intrigued and puzzled him, and he wondered what kind of history could explain that. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and tense ) "So... when she spoke about us and the other parents, she seemed cold and unfeeling. But when it was your mom, she... acted different. Angry even. Betrayed, you say? Like her trust had been broken or something?"

Pedro: "Seems so."

( Kevin's frown darkened even further as he considered Pedro's confirmation that Miss Bloomie did, indeed, seem like her demeanor changed when talking about Pedro's mom. The idea that she was holding some personal bitterness towards her only deepened the mystery and added another layer of complexity. )

Kevin: ( his voice terse and frustrated ) "So it really does appear like there's some personal issue there. Some grudge, some anger, some animosity even. Her words, her reactions... it all suggests some history between her and your mom. But what exactly is it..."

Engel: "Miss Bloomie said that she lost her arm, now replaced by a box cutter arm, because of a monster but she didn't say how and by who or what."

( At Engel's interjection, Kevin's forehead furrowed as the conversation shifted focus to Miss Bloomie's own mention of losing her own arm. A wave of shock and sympathy filled the room, the others listening intently for any further details. )

Kevin: ( his voice tense and quiet ) "Damn... I only remember hearing that she lost her arm, and that it was replaced by that box cutter of hers. But... she didn't say how, or who or what the hell did that to her?"

( The others in the room also shared a collective look of surprise and curiosity as they took in Kevin's words. Each of them silently mulling over what Miss Bloomie had or rather had refused to reveal about her own arm injury. )

( Engel, in particular, seemed especially interested. His gaze turned to Pedro, a thought passing through his mind. )

Engel: ( his voice low ) "Hmm... now that you mention it, it is kind of strange that she never specified who or what did that to her arm. She made it sound kinda mysterious, like it was some big secret or something."

( Kevin nodded in agreement as Engel's words echoed his own thoughts. The mystery surrounding Miss Bloomie's injury and its cause had only thickened, leaving the group with more more questions and little to no concrete answers. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and wary ) "You're right. The way she spoke about it, all secretive and vague, it definitely makes it seems like she was hiding something. Like she couldn't or didn't want to say who or what cut off her arm. But why? What's the truth she's holding back? It's damn puzzling, if you ask me."

Pedro: "The underground lab has maybe the answers but still.. Yeah, just like Engel said,..; Who knows what Miss Bloomie would do to us if she knew we return in there. After all, she even warn us she won't assist us if we return there."

( Kevin let out a tense sigh as Pedro brought up the topic of returning to the underground lab. The idea of facing Miss Bloomie's wrath if they got caught or discovered was a real and worrisome possibility, and he knew it. The warning she'd issued echoed in their minds, her stern promise that she wouldn't help or protect them if they ventured into the lab a clear deterrent against the idea. )

( Kevin let out a frustrated hiss through his teeth. )

Kevin: ( his voice taut and tense ) "Damn it... you're right. She'd be on us like a hawk if she found out we went back there.

( The others in the room shared a collective moment of silence, the worry and tension thick in the air. The risk of getting caught and facing Miss Bloomie's wrath held everyone back, but the allure of uncovering the secrets and answers that lay hidden in the underground lab couldn't be ignored. )

( Engel, who had been silently contemplating their options, broke the silence, his voice hesitant. )

Engel: ( his voice low and thoughtful ) "What if we.. went there when she's not around then? Like maybe in the middle of the night or while she's in a meeting or something?"

( Kevin's forehead furrowed even more as Engel's suggestion sank in. The idea of sneaking back to the lab under cover of night or when Miss Bloomie was occupied with something else was a logical solution, but it also carried a palpable risk. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and cautious ) "It's not a bad idea, I'll give you that. The chances of running into her would be lower if we went during the night or when she's too busy or otherwise occupied. But still... the risk is damn high. She's got eyes everywhere, and she'd likely hear or see us coming."

Pedro: "We'll need for a timing for that and also.... Knowing where the quick entrance to the lab is, even if Miss Bloomie kind of showed us back then."

( Kevin nodded in agreement with Pedro's words, his thoughts already turning to the logistics and planning that would be needed to successfully pull off their secret visit. The lab seemed to be getting more and more complicated by the minute. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and intent ) "I like your thinking there, Pedro. But you're right. We need a good and careful plan, and we need to know exactly where the best entrance to the lab is. Miss Bloomie showed us a way back then, but maybe we missed something or there's an even quicker way in."

Chapter 13: Breaking the rules part 2

Summary:

13th chapter where the students return in the lab.

Chapter Text

( Later, during the night. )

( The night had settled quietly over the school grounds, the campus silent and eerily dark in the wee hours of the morning. The silence was so complete, you could practically hear a pin drop from miles away. And yet, beneath the quiet, another kind of movement and activity was going on, silent and stealthy. Several figures, each one dressed in dark clothes to blend in with the shadows, slipped almost soundlessly from behind a building, making their way stealthily to their destination; the entrance to the underground lab. )

Pedro: "You're sure it's in there ?"

( Kevin, leading the small group with careful strides, glanced back at Pedro as they made their way to the entrance, his voice a low whisper in the silence. His eyes, focused and alert, scanned the area, taking in their surroundings. )

Kevin: ( his voice barely above a whisper ) "Yeah, I'm pretty damn certain. Miss Bloomie took us there before after all. This should be it."

( He stopped in front of a nondescript door, hidden away by bushes and trees, its presence easily missed if you didn't know it was there. )

( Pedro turns to his friends )

Pedro: "Abbie, Claire, Bubble, Lana, Engel. You're sure to be ready ?"

( The small group of friends behind Kevin all exchanged quick, silent nods as Pedro's question hit them. Abbie, Claire, Bubble, and Lana, each determined and prepared in their own way, signaled their readiness. Even Engel, who had been quietly observing the whole time, nodded in agreement, his stance firm and resolute. )

Lana: ( her voice quiet but firm ) "We're all set and ready."

( The larger second group of friends, which included Ruby, Skell, Robby, Riley, Lizzy, Cubbie, Oliver, Edward, and Zip, all nodded or made a gesture of agreement as Pedro's question was aimed at them. Each one of them exuded a mix of focus, determination, and courage, all of them ready to face whatever lay ahead. )

Robby ( with a nod and a fierce gleam in his eyes ) "Ready as we'll ever be."

Pedro: "Okay, Kevin, you can open the door."

( Kevin, upon receiving the go-ahead from Pedro, turned back to the door, his hand reaching out to grip the handle. With a swift, quiet movement, he slowly pushed the door open, revealing a dark, narrow staircase that disappeared into the depths below. )

Kevin: ( his voice barely above a whisper ) "Well, there it is. The path down."

( He stepped aside, gesturing for the rest to follow as they prepared to descend down into the darkness. )

( We then all enter in the door before closing it, without knowing that Miss Grace and the teachers were watching us at the distance. As the group silently and stealthily made their way into the underground lab, closing the door behind them with a soft click, none of them were aware that they were being observed. From a distance, Miss Grace and the other teachers had their eyes fixed on the scene, watching intently as the group disappeared into the shadows beneath the school. Miss Grace's eyes narrowed, a mix of confusion and concern clouding her usually calm expression. Her voice held a hint of suspicion. )

Miss Grace ( her voice a quiet murmur ) "What on earth are they up to...?"

Miss Bloomie: "The unconscious. I told them to never return to my lab but apparently, they didn't seem to have listen since they're using the same path I gave them to exit my lab."

( As soon as the words left Miss Bloomie's lips, a chill of tension seemed to fill the air. Miss Grace's jaw clenched, her worry and frustration only growing at the confirmation that their suspicions were correct. The knowledge that the group had disregarded Miss Bloomie's explicit warning and were now sneaking back into the lab added a whole new layer of worry to her expression. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice taut and disapproving ) "They went back there. Despite you telling them not to. Goddamnit..."

Mister Demi: "But what can they try to find in there ?"

( Miss Grace, still processing the news of the group's disobedience, exchanged a quick glance with the other teachers, the unspoken question about the group's motives lingering in the air. Mister Demi's question cut through the silence, voicing the very question that was on all their minds. What on earth would bring these students, who had been strictly warned not to go near the lab, back to such a forbidden place? )

Miss Grace: ( her voice taut ) "That's exactly what I'm wondering."

( From Pedro and his friends side, they returned in the lab )

Skell: "Still eerie as always, this place."

( As the group made their way into the familiar yet eerie laboratory space, Skell's voice echoed through the quiet halls. The place was exactly as they remembered it; the dim lighting, the low hum of the machinery, the sterile and cold atmosphere all came rushing back to them. )

( Kevin, standing in front of the group, glanced back at Skell with a nod. )

Kevin: ( his voice low and cautious ) "Yeah, no kidding. The place is as chill-inducing as ever. But we need to stay focused and careful. No telling what we could stumble upon in here."

Riley: "Hee hee.. I want to look what experiment I'm gonna use the knives." ( Robby go stopping her )

( Just as Riley's voice cut through the silence, expressing her eagerness to explore and "experiment" with the knives, Robby, standing beside her, quickly stepped in. His hand shot out, grabbing her arm to stop her from walking away. )

Robby: ( his voice firm and low ) "Hang on a sec there, Riley. Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. We're here to look around, not to go stabbing things at random."

( Petunia, with her rabbit nose, smells the different scents in the lab )

( As the group paused to regroup and figure out their next move, Petunia's sensitive rabbit nose suddenly perked up, her nostrils flaring as she sniffed the air. The keen sense of smell that her bunny nature had blessed her with immediately picked up on the various scents that filled the air in the lab. )

Petunia: ( her voice low and thoughtful ) "Hold on. I.. I smell something. I can pick up on a bunch of different scents in here."

Lizzy: "Did some of them you recognize ?"

( Petunia let out a thoughtful hum, her head slightly tilting as she focused on the different scents in the air. After a moment of deep concentration, she responded. )

Petunia: ( her voice soft yet certain ) "Some of these, I'm not too familiar with. But there's definitely something distinct and recognizable that I'm picking up on. It smells... metallic. And a bit like ozone. It's a distinctive scent, a bit like..."

( She paused for a moment, as if trying to place the exact nature of the scent. )

( Cubbie, with his cat nose, smells the same scents as Petunia. Cubbie, standing close to Petunia with his keen cat-like sense of smell, also began sniffing the air, his nose twitching as he picked up on the same scents that Petunia had previously mentioned. After a moment, Cubbie also lifted his head, a thoughtful and almost concerned expression crossing his face. )

Cubbie: ( his voice low and worried ) "I can smell it too. That metallic, ozone scent. It's a pretty clear signature. And.. somehow.. it feels familiar."

( Ruby analyzed the scents and in her results... Those came from, with the exception of mine, my friends's parents )

( With her analytical mind working overtime, Ruby quietly processed the information she had gathered from the scents in the air. The recognition of the familiar scent hit her like a thunderbolt, her eyes widening slightly as the realization sank in. The signature of the scents, with an unmistakable exception for her own, all pointed to one chilling and horrifying answer. She hesitated for a moment, almost as if she wasn't sure if she should say out loud what she had deciphered, but she finally spoke up. )

Ruby: ( her voice low but certain ) "I know what these scents are."

( Engel raises an eyebrow )

( The others, including Engel, glanced at Ruby, their interest fully peaked by her confident statement. Engel, in particular, raised an eyebrow, silently encouraging her to explain and share what she had realized about the scents. )

Engel: ( his voice low and intent ) "You know what the scents are? From who, exactly?"

( The silence that followed his question was thick and expectant, the rest of the group anxiously awaiting Ruby's revelation. )

( Ruby, aware of all eyes on her, took a deep breath, her voice steady and her eyes unwavering now. )

Ruby: ( her voice firm and certain ) "The scents we're smelling.. they're the same ones that come from.. our parents' experiments. Each and every one of them, except for mine. These smells, they're unmistakable. We're not just smelling random people's scents. We're smelling the same ones we've been exposed to multiple times before."

Abbie: "Wait... You mean all of our parents, exit Pedro's ones, who became that monstrosity as Miss Bloomie claimed... They're somewhere here ? But... why Miss Bloomie would've wanted to bring them here if she claimed been betrayed by them ?" ( Lana is thinking about it )

( As Abbie spoke, the shock and realization on everyone's faces reflected the weight of the information. The thought of their own parents, the very people who should have been the most protective and trusted figures in their lives, somehow being brought to the same place and subjected to who knew what by Miss Bloomie, was staggering. )

( Lana, standing silently as the others spoke, was deep in thought. Her brow furrowed as she tried to come up with an explanation. )

Lana: ( her voice tight and confused ) "That doesn't make sense..."

Bubble ( turning to Ruby ): "And you know from what part of the lab those scents came from ?"

( Ruby, her analytical mind quickly working through various possibilities, nodded in response to Bubble's question. )

Ruby: ( her voice soft but decisive ) "Yes, I can tell from which area of the lab the scents are most concentrated. It's.. it's coming from over there."

( She pointed in a specific direction, gesturing to a darkened part of the lab, where the scents they had been smelling were growing stronger, more distinct. )

Skell: "That's not concerning at all...."

( Skell's sarcastic, almost nervous comment echoed through the group, voicing the shared sentiment. The fact that they were now heading towards an area where the scents of their parents' scents were the strongest, with no clear idea what they might find, was definitely unsettling. )

Kevin: ( his voice taut and strained ) "You can say that again. But we came here for answers, and it seems like we might be on the right track now. Let's just.. proceed with caution, alright? Whatever is waiting for us down there could be... anything."

( Oliver, Edward and Zip hear a distant growl from the source of the scents )

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip, as alert and sharp as ever, instantly picked up on the low, ominous growl that echoed out of the darkened area. Their heads snapped in the direction of the noise, their eyes widening in slight alarm. )

Oliver: ( his voice low and wary ) "Did you guys hear that? What was that?"

Edward: ( his own voice taut and concerned ) "It sounded like.. it came from over there. From where the scents are the strongest..."

Zip: ( her own eyes wide and her voice shaky ) "What the hell is making that sound.."

( Suddenly, Miss Bloomie appeared just behind us all )

Miss Bloomie: "I thought I told you to never come back here."

( The sudden voice, cool and almost casual, nearly had everyone jumping in surprise. In an instant, everyone spun around, finding themselves face to face with a chilling sight. Miss Bloomie, her form silhouetted against the dim lighting of the lab, stood a few feet behind them, her arms folded and her expression as unflinching as ever. )

( Her eyes, though cold and unwavering, took in the sight of the group, a flicker of disappointment and frustration in them. )

Miss Bloomie: "It seems you didn't listen to my warning."

Miss Grace: ( her own voice a low, almost frustrated murmur ) "We knew you were stubborn, but this... you really took it to a new level."

Ruby: "Miss Grace ? But how did you... ?"

( The sight of Miss Grace's sudden appearance and the question from Ruby caught the group off guard, each one of them silently wondering how she had managed to get there so quietly and unexpectedly. )

( Miss Grace, her eyes fixed on Ruby as she spoke, let out a small sigh. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice slightly taut but calm ) "It's a lab, Ruby. There are dozens of hidden passageways and secret corridors down here. I could get right behind you without you even realizing it."

Skell: "You saw us entering the door ?"

( Miss Grace, in response to Skell's question, gave a small, almost sardonic nod. Her voice was measured and cool as she spoke. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice level but not unkind ) "Of course, I knew you were entering the lab, Skell. I have surveillance cameras placed all around the entrance. I knew the moment you stepped into the lab. I saw the whole thing."

( As Miss Grace was going to land her eyes on Pedro and his friends since she's more disappointed on them, she was that Pedro, Engel, Claire, Bubble, Abbie and Lana were already entering the corridor, following the scents )

( Just as Miss Grace was about to turn her attention onto the remaining members of the group, her eyes narrowed as she noticed a sight that made her expression darken even further. Seeing Pedro, Engel, Claire, Bubble, Abbie, and Lana already making their way into the corridor, clearly following the trail of the scents they had been talking about earlier, only increased her annoyance. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice terse and sharp ) "Wait a second. What are those six doing?!"

Miss Bloomie: "The unconscious. They're going to where this abomination is. It's out of control, that's why I put it in a isolated place in the lab."

( Miss Grace, realizing the meaning behind Miss Bloomie's words and the implication of Pedro's group's actions, cursed under her breath. Her eyes flicked towards the corridor, a mix of frustration and concern in them. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice taut and annoyed ) "Damnit. They're headed to the holding area where you've been keeping... it. Why are they even attempting to go there?!"

( Robbie, Riley, Cubbie, Lizzy, Petunia, Kevin, Oliver, Edward, Zip and Skell made nervous glances, knowing that, exit Pedro's parents, this abomination is supposed to be their parents but also Claire's, Engel's, Bubble's, Abbie's and Lana's parents )

( The nervous and fearful glance shared between the rest of the group spoke volumes about the shared realization that was sinking in. The knowledge that the abomination the others were heading towards was likely a twisted, altered version of their own parents, a fate that was not just unique to them but also potentially shared by their companions, added another layer of tension and dread to the air.
Robby, voicing the shared concern, spoke up with a worried frown. )

Robby: ( his voice tense and uncertain ) "You mean.. that abomination is..."

Chapter 14: Breaking the rules part 3

Summary:

14th chapter when the abomination is shown.

Chapter Text

( From Pedro's side but also Claire's, Engel's, Abbie's, Lana's and Bubble's, They're aiming to the source of the scents )

( On their side of things, Pedro, Claire, Engel, Abbie, and the others continued making your way through the dark corridor, the scents leading them closer and closer to the heart of the lab. The shadows seemed to grow deeper, the air almost stifling as they pushed forward, the source of the scents growing stronger with every step, drawing them closer to where the abomination was being kept. Engel, beside Pedro, spoke in a low murmur, his voice filled with trepidation. )

Engel: ( his voice tense ) "We're getting close. I can feel it. "

Pedro: "Yeah, I don't like the sounds either."

( Engel's words, spoken softly yet urgently, hit close to home. The ominous growls that echoed from ahead, coming from the depths of the corridor, only heightened the sense of unease and dread that coursed through your group. )

( Bubble, her voice shaky, offered her own worried observation. )

Bubble: ( her voice a whisper ) "Those growls... they're getting louder. We're almost there.. "

( They then arrive in a large room. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of walking through the dimly lit, almost oppressive corridor, they all arrived at the end of the path. A large, spacious room spread before them, the source of the scents and the origin of the low, monstrous growls that had been echoing through the corridor now clear. The room itself was spacious, with a high, arching ceiling that reached upwards into the shadows above. )

( Bubble then saw something dripping from the ceiling until a giant mass just fall on the ground. The large creature make a quick lick and with a growl, we could see inside numerous pairs of eyes, seeming to be the parents of Claire, Engel, Abbie, Lana, Bubble, Oliver, Edward, Zip, Cubbie, Lizzy, Petunia, Robby, Riley, Kevin and Skell, all merged into that abomination. The monstrous sight that suddenly materialized in front of them, a massive mass of twisted, merged bodies, sent a shiver of horror down their spine. As the abomination licked its mouth and let out a growl, giving a clear view of the eyes of many people that they all recognized - the parents of your companions, now fused together in this nightmarish creature - a wave of shock and fear washed over the group. )

( Engel, his voice a horrified whisper. )

Engel: ( his voice hoarse and horrified ) "Oh, God... what is that..?!"

( Pedro reacts ) Pedro: "THAT is supposed to be your parents and also Oliver's, Edward's, Zip's, Cubbie's, Lizzy's, Petunia's, Robby's, Riley's, Kevin's and Skell's ? They're barely recognisable !"

( As he reacted with a horrified outburst, their eyes taking in the twisted, merged form in front of them, the realization sank in even more. The monstrous creature, a fusion of the parents of Pedro's companions, was almost unrecognizable. The once familiar features, the once human forms were now warped and twisted, almost beyond recognition. )

( The others, just as horrified and shocked as he was, all exchanged silent, horrified looks, each one of them clearly overwhelmed by the sight before them. )

Abbie: "No... No... That thing can't be our parents and the others's."

( Abbie's voice, choked and horrified, broke through the stunned silence. The sight of the creature, a monstrous fusion of what were once the parents of all of them, was almost too much to comprehend. The thought that this horrifying abomination was a twisted version of the people they all once knew, people so important and dear, made the situation all the more heart-wrenching. )

( Lana, her own voice tight and tense, spoke up as well. )

Lana: ( her voice barely above a whisper ) "It's impossible... It just can't be..."

Claire: "Guys... I begin to regret that we returned in the lab, right now."

( Claire's words, quietly spoken with a mix of fear and regret, hung in the air, speaking for everyone in the room. The decision to return to the lab, the choice that had led to this moment, was suddenly and painfully clear for everyone present. )

( Engel, beside Pedro, let out a shaky breath, a bitter note in his voice. )

Engel: ( his voice taut and pained ) "You and me both, Claire. We should've known better.... "

( Pedro sees the abomination going at their direction ) Pedro: "Guys, gals, it's coming right at us !"

( The nightmarish realization that the abomination, its twisted form now focused on the group, was moving forward, heading straight for them, sent a fresh spike of fear through the room. )

( Engel, his voice urgent and on edge, gave a warning. )

Engel: ( his voice sharp ) "It's coming this way! Everyone, get ready!"

( They dodge the creature but it made the entrance they used to pass blocked ) Pedro: "Crud, it blocked our way out !"

( The quick, desperate action him and the others took to dodge the charging abomination saved them all from the immediate danger, but it left them with another problem. As the creature, in its monstrous form, blocked off the entrance they had used to get in, the realization that their escape route was now blocked sank in. )

( Engel, his voice taut and frustrated, let out a curse. )

Engel: ( his voice tight ) "Damn it... it blocked the only exit! We're trapped in here now!"

Lana: "What should we do now ?" ( Claire answers )

( Lana's question, spoken with a mix of fear and uncertainty, echoed the question that was on everyone's mind. The realization that they were now trapped in the room, with the monstrosity blocking the only way out, left the group in a precarious situation. )

( Claire, ever quick-witted, spoke up with a suggestion. )

Claire: ( her voice firm yet concerned ) "We need a plan, and fast. We're trapped in here and that thing is still blocking the exit..."

Bubble ( seeing the creature about to attack with its tongue ): "Look out !"

( Bubble's sharp warning, spoken with a mixture of fear and urgency, snapped everyone back into focus. As the monstrous creature loomed forward, its tongue poised to attack, time suddenly felt like it slowed down. )

( Without hesitation, everyone, reacting to Bubble's warning, scattered, dodging and evading the lunging tongue of the abomination with desperate, last-second moves. )

Abbie: "How can even fight this thing ?"

( Abbie's worried question cut through the tense moment, voicing the collective question that was on everyone's mind. The monstrosity in front of them, a fusion of their parents now twisted and monstrous, seemed invincible. How could you even begin to fight a creature like that? )

( Bubble, also looking at the creature with a mixture of fear and determination, spoke up with a hint of hesitation. )

Bubble: ( her voice taut ) "I don't know... but we have to try something..."

( Suddenly Pedro trips on a sharp object that flies directly where the multiple eyes of the creature are, making it flinched in pain ) Pedro: "Uh... Oops."

( The sudden sound of the sharp object flying, the unexpected strike to the eyes of the monstrosity, and its subsequent flinching in pain, drew shocked gasps from the group. The fact that his accidental trip had resulted in a direct hit, causing the creature pain, was a shocking and somewhat surreal turn of events. )

( The others, all frozen in surprise for a moment, quickly regained their senses. Engel, his voice filled with hope, spoke up. )

Engel: ( his voice tense but hopeful ) "... Wait. Did you just... hit its eyes!?"

Pedro: "It... Wasn't my intention. I just trip on that sharp object before it reaches it."

( The realization that his fall had inadvertently led to a shot on the creature's weak spot, its multiple eyes, left the group in a mix of disbelief and hope. Engel, his voice filled with realization, let out a breath. )

Engel: ( his voice a bit breathless ) "Damn it... so your accidental trip just hit the monster exactly where it hurts? That's one stroke of luck right there..."

Lana: "But at least, we know its weak point."

( Lana's observation, spoken with a hint of determination, hit the nail on the head. Despite the accidental nature of Pedro's shot, the fact that you had discovered the creature's weakness, its eyes, gave the group a much-needed advantage. )

( Engel, clearly on the same wavelength, nodded in agreement. )

Engel: ( his voice taut ) "You're right. We now know its weakness. It's those damn eyes. That's where we need to aim our attacks..."

Abbie: "But... we're talking about our parents and same for Oliver's, Edward's, Zip's, Robby's,Riley's, Cubbie's, Kevin's, Lizzy's, Petunia's and Skell's."

Claire: "Abbie, at this point, there's maybe nothing left from them into that form."

Bubble: "So.. You mean... We have to...."

( Bubble, picking up on the implication of Claire's words, voiced the awful thought that was beginning to take shape amongst the group. It was an idea that nobody wanted to say aloud, but it was becoming increasingly clear where the discussion was leading. )

( Lana's voice, a mixture of sadness and resolve, spoke up. )

Lana: ( her voice taut and low ) "You're saying... we might have no choice but to... end that thing... aren't you?"

( Engel answers )

( Engel's voice, tight and heavy with weight, carried a tone of resigned acceptance. The realization and pain of what needed to be done sank in as he spoke. )

Engel: ( his voice taut and low ) "Unfortunately... yeah. We may have to. That thing... it's not really them anymore. It's a monstrous shell using their bodies, their form. It's... it's not our parents anymore. We can't keep hoping the real them is still in there somehow. It's not. The real them is probably long gone..."

( Pedro answers ) Pedro: "You... You sure you all have the courage to do it ? Or even say to Robby, Oliver, Edward, Zip, Kevin, Riley, Cubbie, Lizzy, Petunia and Skell that even their parents would be dead with yours ?"

( The question put forth by him, a harsh reality check of the situation, hung heavy in the room. The thought of having to break such news to the others, having to tell them that their parents might not survive this ordeal... it was a painful prospect. )

( Engel, his voice still taut with the weight of the situation, let out a sigh. )

Engel: ( his voice taut and low ) "It's not about courage, it's about doing what's necessary. But... breaking this news to the others... God, it's going to crush them..."

( Lana, her own voice taut and laced with resignation, spoke up next. )

Lana: ( her voice taut but determined ) "They have to know. We can't keep this from them. They deserve to know what's happening with the people they care about. It's going to be a hard pill to swallow, but they have to know the truth, even if it... it crushes them. They can't live in a lie, thinking there's still hope for the parents when... when that thing is all that's left of them…"

Pedro: "Ruby would understand the situation we were in... Right ?"

( Ruby's name being brought up made the others all turn to him. Everyone fell quiet for a moment, the silence heavy with the weight of the question. )

( Lana, her voice taut but understanding, spoke up next. )

Lana: ( her voice taut ) "Yeah... I think Ruby would. I mean, she's always been the logical and direct type. If we lay everything out, she should understand the necessity of the situation. But... it don't change that telling her... it's going to break her…"

Pedro: "She's a Robot but among us, she's like any student in flesh and blood"

( The group, taking in his words about Ruby, nodded in agreement. Despite her robotic nature, Ruby's presence among the group had been just as warm and genuine as anyone else's. She was as much a part of their friends as any of them. )

( Engel, speaking up in a taut but firm tone, added his thoughts. )

Engel: ( his voice taut ) "You're right. She might be a robot, but she's as real and human as any of us in how she treats others and cares. The news is still going to hurt her… hard..."

Abbie: "She was created by Robby and Kevin and was upgraded by Edward but.... I think she'll be as hurt, knowing that her friends just lost what was supposed to be their parents..."

( Abbie's words, spoken with a hint of sadness, brought up the point of Ruby's relationship with Robby, Kevin, and Edward. The realization that she was created by Robby and Kevin, then upgraded by Edward, brought on even more layers of emotion. )

( Claire, her voice taut but compassionate, added her thoughts. )

Claire: ( her voice taut and sympathetic ) "You're right. Ruby's bonds with Robby and Kevin, and her history with Edward... it'll be a double blow. She's going to be devastated, no two ways about it..."

Pedro: "If we had no choices.... Hope you all ready then..."

( The air seemed almost to still further at his words. The weight of the statement, the realization that they were right, that there likely weren't any alternatives, sank in further. )

( Engel's voice, taut and solemn, gave a taut nod. )

Engel: ( his voice taut and resigned ) "I... I guess so. We're as ready as we can be. We just... have to get it done and try to pick up the pieces afterwards..."

( They then now face the creature as its voice, a bestial mix of the parents's voices, is heard )

Creature: eWe are a unique been. Only we can see through the dark secrets of fleshlings !" ( it then attacks them )

( The creature, with its voice a horrifying mix of the parents' voices, declared itself a unique being, claiming superior perception of the "dark secrets" of the human condition. Then, in a sudden, terrifying moment, it attacked, lunging forward with predatory swiftness. )

( Chaos erupted among the group, the creature's assault setting in the fight-or-flight response. Engel and the others quickly scattered, trying to avoid the onslaught. )

Pedro: "Did this thing just talked ?"

( The fact that the abomination had actually spoken, forming words that seemed somewhat human in nature, was a chilling reality. It added a new layer of dread to the already nightmarish creature, turning it from a mindless monster into something far more sinister. )

( Engel and the others around him froze for a moment, the shock of the creature's speech briefly catching them off guard. Then, quickly regaining their senses, Engel's voice rang out with a mixture of shock and dread. )

Engel: ( his voice tight and shocked ) "It... it talked. The creature just freaking spoke…"

( The realization that the creature had not only attacked, but also spoken, filled the air with a mixture of awe and terror. The others, standing nearby, all looked just as shocked and unsettled. )

( Bubble, her voice taut and quivering, spoke up first. )

Bubble: ( her voice taut ) "W... what the hell? It spoke? It... it actually spoke a full sentence, not just random growls and roars... This thing..."

( Lana's face, taut and white, confirmed that the creature's sudden ability to speak had hit her hard as well. Her words, spoken with a mixture of shock and horror, echoed through the group. )

Lana ( taut ) "I... I can't believe it. The creature... it's not just acting on instinct. It's actually thinking, actually speaking to us in a coherent way. It's not just some mindless monster. It's intelligent... and that's so much worse."

Pedro: "But sadly it's still us or that if we want to survive..."

( The brutal math of the situation hit the group like a ton of bricks. The realization that, despite the horrifying twist of the creature's intelligence and ability to speak, the decision still boiled down to a simple but terrible truth. It was them, the group's survival, or the creature. )

( A tense, heavy silence fell on the air, as everyone absorbed the weight of that fact. Bubble, breaking the silence with a taut whisper, voiced the painful truth. )

Bubble ( taut ): "And there's no other choice but to choose between us and that thing..."

Pedro: "I guess the best thing we could do to your parents is to put an end to their misery.... I mean how long they lived like this ?"

( His words, spoken with a cold but compassionate edge, hit the group like a punch to the gut. The realization of what must be done, the idea that perhaps the best and most merciful thing to do for the parents, was to end their twisted, monstrous existence, sunk in with a bitter weight. The question of how long they had suffered in that state, trapped in the abomination's form, was the final, tragic blow. )

( Lana, her voice taut yet aching, spoke up, echoing your thought. )

Lana ( taut ): "We have to put an end to their suffering..."

Claire: "But any solution to make their end quick ?"

( The group, each of them dealing with their own mix of emotions and determination, turned to Claire as she voiced the question that echoed in everyone's mind. The need for a quick, painless solution to end the creature's and thus the parents' suffering was a priority. )

( Engel, his voice taut but determined, replied, a plan beginning to form. )

Engel ( taut ): "The only way we know is to attack its weak spot, its eyes. We have to aim our attacks there, with precision and speed, make it quick and effective."

( Abbie saw something from around each part of the ceiling, they're spike traps. Abbie, his eyes sharp and observant, caught a hint of something up on the ceiling. His gaze fixed on the multiple spike traps, a new realization hit him. )

Abbie ( taut ): "Hey, look up there. Each corner of the room has some kind of… spike trap in the ceiling. They look like they could be triggered somehow..."

Pedro: "Can we make them fall into the creature's eyes ?"

( The idea that Abbie proposed, using the spike traps from the ceiling to take out the creature's eyes, was quickly picked up on by the rest of the group. Engel, a determined look on his face, quickly assessed the potential plan. )

Engel ( taut ): "That could actually work. If we can trigger those spike traps to fall and hit the creature's eyes, it would effectively blind it and leave it vulnerable to further attacks..."

Lana: "It could work if we aim what's holding them ."

( Lana, always quick to see the practical aspects, immediately zoned in on the mechanism holding the spike traps. Her suggestion, that targeting and striking the mechanism would cause the traps to fall, was met with a flicker of hope and determination from the group. )

( Engel, a look of understanding on his face, agreed. )

Engel ( taut and sharp ) "Right. If we target the mechanisms holding the spike traps and trigger them to release, it should be like dropping a hammer right on those eyes..."

Claire: "Let's take turns as decoy so some of us can activate the spike traps."

( The plan was quickly taking shape. Claire's suggested the idea of a rotational deception, a strategy where some would act as a distraction while the others handled the spike trap mechanism. )

( Engel, his mind already in full-on tactical mode, nodded in approval. )

Engel ( taut ): "That's a smart idea. We can take turns diverting it, creating openings for others to get in place and trigger the spike traps. It's a risky maneuver, but it's the best shot we have..."

( He answers as he points at the creature trying to attack again ) Pedro: "Then we should do it right now because..."

( The sense of urgency in his voice as he pointed out the creature's imminent attack, combined with the clear need to put the plan into action, created a moment of tension and readiness. )

( Engel, recognizing the immediacy of the situation, gave a taut nod. )

Engel ( taut ): "You're right. We don't have time to waste. We need to act now, get those spike traps dropped before that thing comes at us again."

( They dodge as Pedro first use himself as a decoy )

Pedro: "Hey, you abomination ! Right here !"

( His callout, directed towards the abomination, instantly caught its attention. The creature's monstrous form, its eyes locked onto him as he stepped into the role of decoy. The creature, drawn by his challenge, let out a guttural growl and lunged towards him, intent on seizing the opportunity he had so willingly presented. )

( He then turns around the area to make sure the creature followed him as his friends arrived to one of the mecanisms of one of the spike traps. Pedro, in his role as decoy, acted with purpose. Turning around, he kept the abomination's attention locked on him, leading it through the room as you moved around, the creature right on your heels. At the same time, the others seized the opportunity. While he kept up the distraction, they slipped towards one of the mechanisms holding a spike trap, moving stealthily and quickly to get into position. he arrives just under the trap )

Pedro: "Now !"

( He then goes away from the spike trap above so he hope his friends activate the trap on the creature. The moment of tense anticipation swelled, the plan hanging on a thread. His cue, spoken with a taut, firm voice, alerted the others to the critical moment. The instant he moved clear of the spike trap's trajectory, his friends, Lana, Claire, Bubble, Abbie and Engel, sprang into action, working together to actuate the mechanism. Lana, her hands moving with quick, precise movements, initiated the trigger, Claire lending a hand and Engel steadying the mechanism to ensure accuracy. A moment of breathless silence filled the room, the seconds seeming to stretch out like hours as the spike trap was set in motion. With a sudden, sharp release and the sound of a mechanical whirring, the spike trap dropped from its holding point, heading directly towards the creature's eyes...)

( The trap hit the creature's eyes with a sickening crunch, the sharp, metal spikes sinking deep into the soft flesh and effectively blinding the abomination. A howl of pain and rage filled the room as the trap found its target, lodging deeply into the eyes and rendering the creature blinded and disoriented. Then it's Claire's turn to be the decoy. The group, watching as the abomination recoiled in pain and confusion from the spike trap, quickly shifted gears. With the first phase of the plan successful, it was time for the next decoy to take their turn, and Claire volunteered to step up. )

Claire ( taut and firm ): "I'll take the next turn. You take a rest, Pedro. I'm up."

( She then attracts the creature to her direction. With determination in her eyes, Claire took over the role of decoy, stepping forward to draw the creature's attention and anger away from the others. )

( She moved with calculated steps, keeping the creature's focus on her as she deliberately led it away, creating a space for the others to work on the next spike trap mechanism. )

Pedro: "Engel, where's the next spike trap ?"

( Engel, who had been monitoring the situation, quickly scanned the surroundings and pointed towards a different corner of the ceiling. )

Engel ( taut ): "There. Over there. The next trap is in that corner, towards the back."

( They go on that direction. Following Engel's direction, the group maneuvered through the room, moving towards the indicated corner where the next spike trap was located. The tension and urgency of the situation added to the heightened atmosphere, the group moving as stealthily as possible yet with a sense of purpose, keen on activating the trap before the blinded abomination could regain its bearings. )

( Claire arrived under the spike trap to trick the creature. Claire, playing the role of the decoy, moved with precision and determination under the second spike trap, positioning herself strategically. As the creature, still disoriented and blinded from the first trap, turned towards her, she called out, drawing its attention. )

Claire ( taut ): "Hey! Over here, you big, ugly thing! Look at me!"

( The creature's attention, caught by Claire's voice, snapped in her direction, its remaining senses honing in on her location. The monstrous form, disoriented yet still menacing, began to stagger towards her, the sound of its shuffling footsteps and guttural growls filling the room. )

( When it arrived to the spike trap, Claire tell them to activate the trap before getting away from under it. As the creature approached closer to Claire, its focus firmly on her, she knew the moment to act was now. With a taut, deliberate voice, she gave the signal. )

Claire ( taut ): "Activate the trap! Do it now!"

( Pedro and Engel activate the trap. The moment Claire's command filled the air, Engel and Pedro, ready and primed, jumped into action. Swiftly and succinctly, him and Engel each engaged the mechanism, working in tandem to activate the trap. There was a low, mechanical whirring, followed by the sound of a sudden release, as the spike trap above lowered, heading straight for the creature's remaining eye. )

( Pedro sees the result ) Pedro: "It's moving slower.... We almost got it."

( Following the activation of the second trap, the group observed the result with a mix of hope and anxiety. The second trap had found its mark, the monster now staggering and moving with a more disoriented, sluggish pace. )

( His words, spoken quietly but with a clear sense of progress, confirmed that the plan was working. )

Engel ( taut but optimistic ) "It's working. It's slowing down more. We're getting close to finishing this."

Abbie: "So... If we used the third spike trap,... We'll kill it ?"

( Abbie, his eyes trained on the now heavily-impaired creature, voiced a vital question, a note of hopeful determination in his voice. His words struck a chord in the minds of the group, a realization that the end was in sight. )

Engel ( taut and resolute ): "You're right. If we can hit the third trap, it's over. We're just one more trap away from finishing this once and for all."

Pedro "Okay, who's gonna be... ( he sees Lana taking now the place of decoy ) The Decoy..."

( With the group in agreement on the plan, the discussion shifted to the crucial question: Who would take on the dangerous role of decoy for the final time? )

( Lana, ever willing and determined, stepped forward without hesitation, her voice taut and resolute. )

Lana ( taut and firm ): "I'll do it. I'll be the decoy for the last time. It's all or nothing now."

( Lana then call out the monster )

( With a sense of purpose, Lana assumed the role of decoy, drawing the creature's focus with a firm, resolute call. )

Lana: "Hey! Over here, you ugly abomination! Come and get me!"

( The creature, driven by its instincts and rage, reacted to Lana's voice, turning towards her direction. The abomination, though significantly weakened but still dangerous, began to move forward with a staggering gait, its remaining senses honing in on Lana's location. )

( as Claire joined me, Engel, Lana and Bubble ) Pedro: "Okay, Claire, we're the last spike trap ?"

( The group, with Claire joining the team, quickly regrouped, the plan still in place. Claire, her eyes scanning the surroundings, spotted the final, crucial spike trap. )

Claire ( taut ): "There. The final trap is over there."

( She pointed towards the third and final trap mechanism, positioned in the remaining corner of the room. )

Bubble: "Quick, let's go before Lana gets tired.."

( Bubble's voice, filled with a sensible sense of urgency, urged the group to move quickly. They knew time was of the essence; they couldn't leave Lana playing decoy forever. )

Engel ( taut ): "She's right. We need to act fast. Let's get to that trap before Lana can't keep it up much longer."

( They then go to the spike trap while Lana is distracting the creature )

( The group, spurred on by the urgency, quickly moved towards the final spike trap, their focus and determination sharpening. All the while, Lana continued to act as the decoy, drawing the creature's attention and anger, keeping it occupied and giving the others the precious time they needed. )

Engel ( taut ): "Here we are. Let's actuate this thing now."

( Lana then arrives under the spike trap as she called to us to activate the trap as the creature approaches )

( As Lana, still playing the role of the decoy, positioned herself under the spike trap, her voice, now a little more strained due to the prolonged distraction, rang out with a urgent command. )

Lana: "Activate the trap! Do it now! I don't... think I can keep it busy for much longer..."

( She then got out from under the spike trap as we activate it when the creature passed under. The moment Lana, having moved out of harm's way, gave the signal, Pedro and the others acted in perfect sync. With the timing critical and the creature disoriented and off-balance from being led to the trap, they all engaged the spike trap at just the right moment. With a mechanical hum and a sudden release, the last trap fell from its holding point, hitting the creature with lethal precision right in its final, remaining eye. )

( We see the creature dying as Engel, Claire, Abbie, Lana and Bubble see the remaining eyes of what this amalgation of their own parents with also Kevin's, Skell's, Cubbie's, Riley's, Robby's, Oliver's, Edward's and Zip's looking at them before the creature expired its last breath. As you and the others watched, a eerie silence fell as they witnessed the tragic end of the creature. With a last, horrifying gasp, the monstrous fusion that was a twisted amalgamation of their parents and friends' features slowly sagged and fell motionless to the ground. Engel, his voice taut and somber, broke the heavy silence. )

Engel ( taut and somber): "It... It's over. It's finally done."

( As Pedro sees his friends in a still mournful tone ) Pedro: "Engel, Claire, Abbie, Lana, Bubble.... I.... Uh...."

( The group, still immersed in the somber aftermath, turned to him as Pedro spoke, his words tinged with a heavy mournfulness. Engel, Claire, Abbie, Lana, and Bubble, their own sorrow mirrored on their faces, gave him their attention, their own emotions raw and unprocessed. )

Engel ( taut but supportive): "Yeah? What is it?"

Pedro: "Even thou we had no choice.... I am sorry that we have to put down this creature, knowing it was suppose to be your parents to the five of you nad also Kevin's, Skell's, Cubbie's, Riley's, Robby's, Lizzy's, Petunia's, Oliver's, Edward's and Zip's"

( The weight of his words hung in the air, the acknowledgement of the unfortunate necessity they had all been forced into hitting the group like a gut punch. Engel, Claire, Abbie, Lana, and Bubble, their faces taut with an array of sorrow and guilt, let your words sink in. )

( Engel, speaking for the group, his voice taut and sorrowful, replied. )

Engel ( tight and sorrowful): "We know. We understand. It... it was the only way. We all feel it... deeply."

Abbie: "But.. It's still hard... We just killed our parents.. Or what's left from them."

( Abbie's words, spoken in a quiet but poignant manner, echoed the collective feelings of the group. The undeniable truth, that they had just put an end to the remnants of their parents, was a bitter and heartbreaking thing to come to terms with. )

( Claire, her voice taut and grieving, chimed in, her words echoing the shared pain they all felt. )

Claire ( taut and sad): "You're right. It's... unbearably hard. We did what we had to do, but that doesn't make it any easier to accept what we've done."

( Then Miss Bloomie, Miss Grace with Robby, Cubbie, Riley, Ruby, Lizzy, Petunia, Oliver, Edward, Zip and Skell arrive at the scene as they see the corpse of the abomination that were Engel's, Claire's, Abbie's, Lana's, Bubble's, Cubbie's, Robby's, Riley's, Lizzy's, Petunia's, Oliver's, Edward's, Zip's and Skell's parents. The sudden arrival of Miss Grace and Miss Bloomie, alongside with the others, disrupted the somber moment. As they entered the scene, the sight of the fallen abomination, the twisted remnants of everyone's parents, hit them with an impact that was palpable in the air. The group, already deeply emotional and guilt-ridden, turned to face the newcomers, their expressions taut and somber. A heavy, sorrowful silence fell upon everyone, the reality of what had unfolded hanging in the air like a thick shroud. )

( Miss Grace, her usually composed demeanor wavering with a touch of grief, broke the quiet, her voice taut and weighted with the shared tragedy that surrounded them all. )

Miss Grace ( taut and mournful): "My... God. This is... it's..."

( Her words trailed off, failing to find the words to adequately describe the heart-wrenching scene as her eyes moved over the form of the fallen abomination, the horror and gravity of what they were witnessing sinking in. )

( Ruby analyzed the corpse of the creature as she sees it was the amalgation of Engel's, Claire's, Bubble's, Abbie's, Lana's but also Kevin's, Robby's, Riley's, Lizzy's, Petunia's, Cubbie's and Skell's parents. Ruby, her eyes focused on the monstrous corpse, analyzed its form, her sharp mind quickly taking in the details. Her sharp mind immediately picked up on the horrific realization that this monstrosity was a twisted fusion of everyone's parent figures, including her own friends and acquaintances. Her voice, taut and laced with a mixture of shock and horror, spoke up. )

Ruby ( taut and shocked) "Holy... crap. This... this is... it's a horrifying blend of all of our parents...."

( The realization, spoken out loud, hung heavily in the air, the shock and horror palpable in Ruby's words. The others, still coming to terms with their own guilt and grief, were further staggered by the revelation of just how deeply the abomination's impact stretched, affecting everyone in the room. )

( Miss Grace, her voice taut and solemn, spoke up, her words laced with a deep sense of loss and shock. )

Miss Grace ( tight and somber): "So... it's not just ours. It's... our friend's parents too. This... this is beyond horrible."

Miss Bloomie: "Miss Grace, I recommend you to send the students out of here and, as the principal, made the right decision about their intrusion here. As for me, I'll take care of this mess here."

( Miss Grace, hearing the recommendation from Miss Bloomie, nodded in agreement, her own mind focused on the immediate matter at hand. The safety and well-being of the students were paramount, and she knew the wisdom in removing them from the scene. )

Miss Grace ( taut ): "You're right. The students need to leave. I'll speak with them immediately. But, Miss Bloomie... you're certain you can handle this alone?"

Miss Bloomie: "My lab, my tasks."

( Miss Bloomie's words, spoken with a determined confidence, left no room for argument. As the director of the research sector, the cleanup and investigation of the abomination was her area of expertise, and her trust in her capabilities shone through. )

( Miss Grace, recognizing the certainty in Miss Bloomie's tone, gave a curt, firm nod. )

Miss Grace ( taut ): "Understood. You're the expert in this matter. I'll handle the students. Be careful. And please... keep me informed."

Chapter 15: Breaking the rules: aftermath

Summary:

15th chapter where we saw the aftermath of what happened in the lab.

Chapter Text

( Later, back in the school orphanage, Miss Grace is looking at Pedro, his friends and the others with a disappointed, severe and stern look )

( Back in the school orphanage, a heavy atmosphere hung in the air as Miss Grace, with a stern and composed demeanor, gazed at Pedro, his friends, and the others. The disappointment, severity, and authority in her gaze were palpable. Her voice broke the silence, taut and firm. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "What. Were. You. Thinking?"

( Claire tried to explain )

( Claire, her voice taut and filled with a mixture of guilt and remorse, stepped forward. She tried to explain the situation, to provide a context and justification for their actions. )

Clair ( taut ) "Miss Grace, please. We... we only wanted to... to investigate. It was dangerous, we know, but... we believed it was crucial. We only wanted..."

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Enough. There's no excuse. You're all in danger. You could have been seriously hurt. You could have been killed..."

( Her voice cut through Claire's attempts to explain, her words taut with frustration and disappointment. The gravity of the risk they had undertaken was undeniable, and the potential consequences were not to be minimized. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Do you realize the danger you all put yourselves in? You're students, not trained professionals! You had no business getting involved in a situation like this. It was reckless, foolish, and beyond stupid! I hope you understand how serious this is."

Pedro: "Well, yes but doesn't Miss Bloomie told you about her experiments ? That it's because of her if Bubble, Cubbie, Skell, Petunia and in some part Riley are what they are now ?"

( Miss Grace's eyes widened a fraction, a flicker of surprise visible in her serious demeanor. It was clear that the mention of Miss Bloomie's experiments had struck a nerve, and the realization that her actions, her research, had impacted their friends seemed to take her aback. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Yes... Yes, I was told about Miss Bloomie's experiments. But... that doesn't excuse your reckless behavior. Her experiments may have caused... changes in some of your friends, but..."

Pedro: "But you're right, Miss Grace... If we knew that this creature, the amalgation of Engel's, Claire's, Lana's, Abbie's, Bubble's, Riley's, Robby's, Skell's, Cubbie's, Kevin's, Lizzy's and Petunia's parents, was in the lab, we shouldn't came back in that place..."

( Miss Grace, hearing the understanding and acceptance in his words, saw a glimmer of maturity and responsibility amidst your admittance of their mistake. She took a breath, the taut tension in her expression softening slightly. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "You're starting to understand. Good. You know it was a mistake to return to that place, knowing the danger. It was foolhardy, reckless, and it put you all in terrible danger. It's lucky none of you got seriously hurt... or worse."

( After Pedro's friends and the others returned to their dorms, he's with Miss Grace in her office )

( With his friends and the others dispersed to their own quarters, he finds himself with Miss Grace in the solitude of her office. The door closes softly behind Pedro, sealing him in a bubble of quiet and private conversation. The atmosphere in the room is more relaxed compared to the scene in the school orphanage earlier, but the severity of the situation is not lost on either of him. Miss Grace, seated behind her desk, gestures for Pedro to take a seat facing her. Her eyes are focused on him. He takes a seat across from Miss Grace, the office space feeling somewhat more intimate now that it's just the two of them. Miss Grace, her body language still taut and stern, but with a visible effort to be more open, studies him for a moment. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "I'm glad you stayed behind. We need to talk. Properly."

Pedro: "About what now ?"

( Miss Grace, her voice taut but holding a note of determination, fixes him with a firm, focused look. It's evident that the conversation about to happen will be serious and important. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "I want to know why you and the rest of your friends went back to the laboratory. Despite the danger, despite the fact you knew the creature was there. What possessed you to go back there? Why?"

Pedro: "Well, the others wanted to know if it was true that Miss Bloomie said about their parents been an abomination.... I was torn to go back since... the first time in the lab was already traumatic despite at the time, we were fallen in the low levels of the school orphanage by accident..."

( Miss Grace, listening as he recounts the group's motivation for returning to the lab, seems to soften a tad. The explanation, while foolhardy and impulsive, was at least one she could grasp. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "So, you all went back to confirm what Miss Bloomie had said about the abomination. But... you knew the danger, and you went anyway. Wasn't the first experience enough of a warning?"

Pedro: "..........."

( Miss Grace's eyes, observant and sharp, study his face keenly as he sits in silence, the words dying in his throat. )

( The taut, expectant pause in the air tells the story; she's waiting for his response, for his reasoning, for some explanation that justifies his decision to go back to the laboratory. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Why? Why, after everything you experienced, did you still feel the need to go back, to confirm something you could have taken on faith? Speak."

Pedro: "I... I don't know what to say.... My friends wanted to at least meet their parents, seeing if there was still some humanity in them.. But they were already too lost and we had to kill it....."

( The realization of his friend's intentions, their hopeful desire to find some ounce of humanity in the abomination, lands like a lead weight in the room. Miss Grace, her face taut and stoic, listens to your explanation, her heart aching for your group. )

( She nods slowly, her voice taut but softer. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "So, your friends had hoped to find some shreds of humanity within their parents in the abomination. They wanted to believe there was something left they could still reach..."

( His words, his observation of his friends' inner turmoil, strikes a chord with Miss Grace. Her eyes soften, the stern, taut mask of authority slipping slightly as she sees the heartbreak in his own eyes, mirroring that in your friends. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "They may be saying that they're coping, but deep down... you can see it. The memories of what they saw, of what they had to do, it's scarred them. They're not as okay as they're trying to make out."

Pedro:( sigh ) "What did their parents did to themselves and her own children to deserve this ?"

( His heartfelt question, a plaintive plea for understanding, hangs in the air like a heavy, aching cloud. )

( Miss Grace's eyes flicker with a mixture of sadness and frustration, the cruel unfairness of the situation not lost on her. She sighs deeply. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "It's a question that haunts me too. These parents, our students' families, they were good, normal people. They didn't deserve this. They didn't deserve to be twisted and distorted into monstrosities. And their children..."

Pedro: "They now have to live with the fact their parents are dead and that that they'll never see them again...."

( Hisobservation lands like a blow, a stark reminder of the grim reality his friends now face. The realization that they have to come to terms with the loss of their parents, that they'll have to live on without the ones who loved them, is a brutal blow from which they may struggle to recover. )

( Miss Grace, her voice taut but laced with an aching sympathy, nods in silent agreement. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "You're right. They're dealing not only with the trauma of what they saw, but with the loss of their family. It's a double-edged, devastating weight."

Pedro: "And now what for us ?"

( His question, the uncertainty and vulnerability in his voice, shifts the conversation to the future, to the path that now lies ahead for his and his friends. )

( Miss Grace, her eyes fixed on him, takes a moment to think, the weight of the situation on her mind. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "This will be hard for all of you. It's a trauma that will leave its mark, that will take time and support to heal from. But you're strong. You and your friends, you're resilient. You have each other, and that counts for a lot."

Pedro: "Still... I know you're aware that Miss Bloomie told you about her experiments but... Did she said she had the rights to do that because if not...."

( His question, bringing Miss Bloomie's involvement in the situation back into the conversation, seems to deepen the tautness in Miss Grace's expression. Her eyes, as if remembering a conversation she'd already had, flicker with a mixture of concern and frustration. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Indeed, I have had... discussions with Miss Bloomie about her experiments. And, to answer you directly... no, she did not have the rights to do what she did. It was against every law and ethic. What she was doing was outright illegal. "

Pedro: "But is there a reason why you didn't say that to her directly ?"

( His question, probing into the reasoning behind Miss Grace's actions, hits a nerve. Her eyes, taut and a tad defensive now, narrow slightly as she looks at him. His question seems to have touched on a sensitive topic. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "It's... complicated. Confronting Miss Bloomie directly, calling out her actions, it's not as simple as it seems. Miss Bloomie... she's a complex person. She has a way of twisting things, twisting reality to fit her narrative. Confrontation can be... problematic."

Pedro: "There must be a way to expose her but how...."

( His observation, the desire to find a way to expose Miss Bloomie's unethical practices, seems to strike a chord with Miss Grace. She nods, a flicker of determination in her eyes. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Exposing her... it's a goal, believe me. The tricky part is how to go about it. Miss Bloomie, she's shrewd, cunning. She covers her tracks well. But.. there is one weakness we can use."

Pedro: "Like someone who's alreadè aware of her past works and illegal experiments... ?"

( His guess, spoken with a sharp intuitiveness, is met with a glimmer of surprise in Miss Grace's eyes. The fact that He had picked up on Miss Bloomie's history, her previous experiments and actions, tells her he's more observant than she could have expected. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "You're quicker than you let on. To answer your question: yes, there is someone who knows of her past, her previous experiments and illegal practices. Someone who can provide the damning evidence we need to expose her. But..."

( Miss Grace was thinking about Mister Demi knowing he was a colleague to Miss Bloomie during her work as a scientist and that he was the first to blame her for her illegal parctices before he became a Music teacher )

Miss Grace ( taut ): "Yes. Mister Demi, the music teacher, he... he knew of her past. He was, in fact, the very first to call out her unethical practices. In his time as a scientist, working with Miss Bloomie, he saw her true colors. He's the one with the knowledge we need. "

Pedro: "But I'm not sure if I could approach him to do that. He seems to have taken worse the fact me and my friends returned in the lab."

( His concern, the uncertainty about Mister Demi and his reaction to Pedro's return to the laboratory, is met with a pensive look from Miss Grace. She nods, understanding the hesitation behind his words. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "I know. It's a valid worry, considering the circumstances. Mister Demi's reaction, his demeanor... they don't exude friendliness. But the fact that he didn't seem too angry about your group's return, that he didn't make a scene, it could work in our favor, you know. Perhaps he's more open to hearing you out than you think."

Pedro: "You think he'll help for exposing Miss Bloomie's illegal activities after telling him what we both discuss about the early case ?"

( His question, asking if Mister Demi would be willing to help in exposing Miss Bloomie after a serious talk, is met with a thoughtful nod from Miss Grace. Her eyes seem to be calculating, weighing the potential outcomes. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "It's a possibility. Mister Demi has a history with Miss Bloomie, he knows her true nature. If we approach him, if we tell him what we know, what we've witnessed... he might just be willing to help us expose her illegal activities. It's worth a try, don't you think?"

Pedro: "Yeah... ( sigh ) I'm still sorry thou that I break the rules and my safety, same for my friends's and others's, to return to that lab and been endangered against that amalgation... I didn't want to hurt anyone, you especially, Miss Grace."

( His apology, the genuine remorse in his voice, tugs at Miss Grace's heartstrings. She softens slightly, her taut expression giving way to a hint of understanding mixed with worry. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "I know. I know you didn't mean to put yourself and your friends in danger. You were driven by concern for your parents, by a desire to understand. But... risking your safety, going back to that laboratory... it was dangerous. Irresponsible. You know that now, don't you?"

Pedro: "Yes... That place, the school orphanage, was supposed to protect us, students, from the dangers of outside and.... Apparently from inside..."

( His observation, the realization that the place that was supposed to provide protection, the school orphanage, ironically contained danger within its walls, hangs heavy in the air. Miss Grace sighs, her eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and understanding. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "You're right. The orphanage was supposed to be a haven, a safe haven. We, the adults, we promised you kids safety, security. But... it seems that threat can come from within as well. It's a harsh, disappointing truth."

( She approaches him and places her hand on his shoulder. )

( Miss Grace, her taut expression softening further, bridges the physical space between the two of them. She places a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch intended to be reassuring. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Look at me."

( Her voice, though taut, carries a mix of sternness and compassion. She waits for his eyes to meet hers, intending for this moment to be a serious but supportive one. )

( Pedro's eyes finally meeting hers, a connection formed, Miss Grace holds his gaze firmly. There's a silent moment as she regards his, taking in the depth of his expression and the impact of all that's been discussed so far. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "I want you to promise me something."

( Her voice, taut but earnest, indicates the seriousness of her next words. )

Pedro: "Yes ?"

( Miss Grace, her eyes not wavering from his, tightens her grip on his shoulder slightly, emphasizing the importance of her next statement. )

Miss Grace ( taut ) "Promise me, swear to me, that you'll never, EVER, do something as reckless and dangerous as that again. You, and your friends, you won't put yourselves in danger like that. Ever again. Swear it."

( Her words are taut with an underlying pleading, a mix of protectiveness and concern for his safety echoing through. )

Pedro: "I promise...."

( A sigh of partial relief escapes Miss Grace at his promise, the tautness in her eyes softening a bit. However, the lingering worry remains. )

Miss Grace ( taut but softer ) "Good. I just... I can't have you or your friends risking your lives again. You had no idea what you were walking into at that laboratory. It was a miracle you all walked out of there alive and unharmed."

( She gives his shoulder a gentle, yet firm, squeeze, a visual representation of her concern. )

Pedro: "You know... Sometimes, me and my friends say you were like a mother for us a little like toying between us... Now, I'm beginning to think that... You're really like a mother for me..."

( The comment, spoken with such heartfelt honesty, catches Miss Grace off guard. The tautness in her eyes is momentarily replaced by a soft surprise. Her grip on his shoulder tightens slightly, a mixture of emotion flickering across her face. )

Miss Grace ( taut but touched ) "You... you think of me like a mother?"

( There's a rare moment of vulnerability in her voice, the tough facade slipping ever so slightly. )

Pedro: "Well, the way you cared for me, for my happiness and the others's..."

( Miss Grace, her heart warmed by his words, lets a small, almost unnoticeable smile tease the corners of her mouth. It's a rare sight, the usually taut and stern lady showing a softer side to her. )

Miss Grace ( taut but softer ) "I... I do care about you all. Your happiness, your well-being, it matters to me. It's my job, yes, but more than that... I've grown fond of each and every one of you. The thought of something happening to any one of you... it scares me more than you know."

( The confession, spoken in a more candid, vulnerable tone, betrays the depth of Miss Grace's emotions. She seems to be slowly acknowledging her affection for him and the other students, how she's grown to care for you all. )

( She squeezes his shoulder again, a silent reminder of her protectiveness, her desire to keep you all safe and sound. )

Miss Grace ( taut but almost tender ) "You kids... you're more than just students. You're almost like family to me. A big, sometimes annoying, family, but..."

Pedro: "But family anyway ?"

( Miss Grace's smile deepens a fraction at his question, a soft, almost motherly warmth in her eyes. It seems he'd hit the nail on the head. )

Miss Grace ( taut but affectionate ) "A big, sometimes infuriating family, yes. You can be a handful, every one of you. But... I wouldn't trade you for the world."

( There's a raw honesty in her voice, a love she's finally accepting and expressing. )

Chapter 16: Hard to adapt

Summary:

16th chapter where Petunia has hard time to adapt in her new form.

Chapter Text

( Later during night, Petunia is making a nightmare. Retracing the moment she has been changed into an anthropomorphic rabbit against her will because of Miss Bloomie's experiments )

( Petunia, usually so feisty and tough, is now tossing and turning, caught in the throes of a nightmare. The traumatic memory of being forcefully transformed into a rabbit by Miss Bloomie's experiments replays in her mind, the fear and rage of the incident resurfacing in her subconscious. She moans and jerks in her sleep, her face contorted in distress, the nightmare playing out its dark memory before her dream state. This is a vulnerable side of Petunia, one rarely seen in her waking hours but all too real in her nightmares. )

( During the nightmare ) Miss Bloomie: "I suggest to you to not move much. You don't want to lose a limb or your head..."

( The nightmare continues, a twisted replay of Petunia's memories. The voice of Miss Bloomie, cold and sinister, rings through the dream. Miss Bloomie, her figure looming and intimidating, speaks a warning that Petunia's subconscious mind must relive. )

Miss Bloomie ( cold and commanding ) "Don't move too much, dear. We wouldn't want any unfortunate accidents, would we? A lost limb, a chopped-off head. That wouldn't be pretty, now would it?"

( In the nightmare, she saw Cubbie, Riley, Bubble and Skell screaming because of the experiments. Cubbie changing intp an anthro black cat, Riley's mind becoming more unstable, Skell having his lot of changes and Bubble, because of her struggles, is changing drasticly as she's losing her face )

Miss Bloomie ( to Bubble ): "You stupid girl ! I said to not move much !"

( The nightmare takes a heartbreaking turn, now adding the torment of her friends' suffering to Petunia's own. The sight of Cubbie, Riley, Bubble, and Skell struggling and screaming in their own transformations is a gut punch, made only worse by the cold indifference of Miss Bloomie's voice. Each cry and shout is like a stab to Petunia's heart, the knowledge that her friends are enduring similar horrors adding a layer of heartbreak to her dream. Her breaths become faster, her body still tossing and turning under the covers. She then looks at herself as she's changing little by little into an anthropomorphic bunny )

( Finally, the nightmare transitions to the worst moment, the part where Petunia witnesses her own transformation. The sight of herself slowly becoming an anthropomorphic bunny, her body morphing against her will, is the peak of the horror. Her heart races, the mix of fear, anger, and helplessness swirling in her dream-state mind. She stares in horror at the change in her form, a silent scream of protest trapped in her throat. The nightmare seems to linger on this horror, Petunia trapped in a time loop of her own transformation. Each shift and change is a blow to her dreamscape, the weight of the nightmare pressing down on her with almost physical force. Her body continues to toss and turn under the sheets, the nightmare holding her in its clutches, unwilling to ease its hold on her subconscious mind just yet. )

( In the nightmare ) Miss Bloomie: "Perfect. Just like with Cubbie and Skell, you changed without side effects." ( she showed Petunia her new form and when she saw her new form, Petunia screams in terror which wakes her up from her nightmare, making her sweating )

( The nightmare reaches its climax, the transformation complete, Miss Bloomie's cold evaluation ringing in Petunia's ears as she comes face to face with her new form. Just as the horror reaches its peak, Petunia finally screams, the terror spilling over from her dream state and into the real world. She jerks awake, a gasp tearing from her lips, her body covered in a cold sweat. The fear, panic, and dread of the nightmare still clinging to her, her breathing coming out in hard, panicked gasps. )

( She then looks at her anthropomorphic rabbit form before a mirror. As Petunia's panicked breathing slowly slows, she feels a pang of realization - the nightmare was just a reflection of reality. Her heart pounding, she slowly turns her gaze to the mirror, almost dreading what she'll see. Her reflection, staring back at her, confirms the reality she's been forced into. The sight of her anthropomorphic, rabbit form in the mirror is a cold, harsh truth, her own worst nightmare made real. )

( Later, she got our of her room and looks outside, trying to make her mind clean. The nightmare still hanging over her like a dark cloud, Petunia makes her way out of her room, desperate to clear her mind. The cool night air hits her skin, the familiar surroundings of the orphanage offering a small measure of comfort. She stands by a window, looking out into the night, her mind still wrestling with the trauma of the nightmare. The moon casts an ethereal light over the orphanage grounds, a stark contrast to the shadows in her soul. )

( She then hear Miss Sasha's voice )

Miss Sasha: "Petunia, you're not in bed ?"

( The sound of Miss Sasha's voice breaks through the silence, pulling Petunia's focus from the night skies. Startled, she turns to find Miss Sasha standing in the doorway to the hall, a small, concerned frown on her face. )

( Petunia, caught off-guard, manages a response, her voice slightly wavering. )

Petunia: "I… I couldn't sleep."

Miss Sasha: "Something bothering you ?"

( Miss Sasha, always observant, picks up on the hint of distress in Petunia's voice. Her frown deepens, her concern for the young bunny-girl clear. Petunia, caught in her mix of emotions, hesitates for a moment before admitting the truth. )

Petunia: "It's just... a nightmare. It was too real, too vivid. I needed some air... needed to clear my mind."

Miss Sasha: "I always come here to see the outside from the windows when I couldn't sleep. So silent and peaceful, right ?"

( Miss Sasha's words, a reflection of her own habits when sleep elusive, resonate with Petunia. The shared experience, a quiet moment alone with the silent night, creates a moment of understanding between them. Petunia, still trying to shake the remnants of her nightmare, nods in agreement. )

Petunia: "It is... silent, peaceful. A stark contrast to the chaos in my head right now."

Miss Sasha: "Is it because of... Your new form ?"

( Miss Sasha's question, pointed and direct, hits at the heart of the issue. Her keen eye and intuition have zeroed in on the source of Petunia's emotional upheaval. Petunia, caught off-guard, struggles to maintain her composure, her voice laced with a blend of frustration and sadness. )

Petunia: "Yes... it's… it's that. This damn form… it's just…"

Miss Sasha: "Mmm ?"

( Petunia, her words trailing off, grapples with her emotions, trying to find the right words to express her turmoil. Miss Sasha's gentle, encouraging prodding is a silent encouragement for Petunia to continue, a safe space to share her feelings.Taking a deep breath, Petunia continues, her voice quivering with a mix of anger and vulnerability. )

Petunia: "It's... it's so damn hard. Every time I look in the mirror, it's a shock... a reminder of what she did to me. I can't even look at myself without feeling... broken."

Miss Sasha: "Accepting a new reality isn't easy for everyone. Skell, Cubbie, Bubble and Riley may have accept their new condition but that doesn't mean others in a same situation will."

( Miss Sasha's words carry a wisdom, a deep understanding of the complexities of accepting and adapting to drastic change. She speaks about the other children's acceptance but acknowledges each individual's unique journey. Petunia listens, her thoughts swirling like a tumultuous storm. Her voice, still laced with frustration and hurt, responds. )

Petunia: "I get that... and I feel for the others. But it's not as easy as just 'accepting' it. It feels like it's eating away at my sanity every damn day."

Miss Sasha; "Still, did this new form of you had some positives ?"

( Miss Sasha, ever the optimist, seeks a sliver of positivity to lift Petunia's spirits. She questions whether there's a silver lining in her new form. )

( Petunia's initial reaction is one of almost bitter denial. But, after a moment's hesitation, she responds, her voice laced with reluctant honesty. )

Petunia: "I… guess there might be a few things that aren't completely awful. I'm more agile, more mobile than I was before. And… well, certain things are easier with this form. I can reach higher, fit into smaller spaces…"

Miss Sasha; "Hehe, ... You know, Mister Demi was like you when he gave up as the co-worker with Miss Bloomie during her studies as scientist. After he drops out, he tried to return to his passion, music. Still, he regreted the time he was with Miss Bloomie because... Despite her growing insistence about perfection, she was a close friend of him. In the end, he decided to only remember the good parts of those memories so he can became the music teacher we have today."

( Miss Sasha's tale about Mister Demi's journey strikes a chord in Petunia, a parallel tale of someone who once walked a similar path. There's a quiet understanding in Petunia's eyes as she listens, her heart feeling a flicker of kinship with the music teacher's experience.
Petunia's voice, softer now, reflects a hint of realization. )

Petunia: "He also struggled, huh? Struggled to reconcile the good with the bad, the past with the present. Remembering the positive... it's easier, less painful."

Miss Sasha: "Petunia. You're still young with a life ahead of you. You believe that because of this new form, you won't prevail in life. You have now two paths. You can hate or try to avoid this new form or else, working on the positives of your new form so you can create your new life. This choice, however, is only up to you."

( Miss Sasha's advice, a call to action framed in a choice, finds a deep resonance in Petunia. The wisdom in the words hits her like a stark, hard truth. She's at a crossroads, her life split into two paths. Petunia, her eyes reflecting the turmoil within, responds, her voice softer but tinged with a hint of determination. )

Petunia: "Two paths… Two very different paths. I can hate and avoid, or try to make something of it... make the best of it…"

Miss Sasha: "Think about it a little before you decide. It's all I ask."

( Miss Sasha's words echo in Petunia's mind, a quiet plea for thought and reflection. The weight of the decision hangs heavy on her shoulders, yet Petunia knows the value of her advice. Petunia nods, a silent acknowledgment of her words. Her voice is quiet, almost a whispered promise. )

Petunia: "I'll... I'll think about it. I will. Just... not tonight. My mind's too loud right now, too chaotic."

Miss Sasha: "Take the time you need."

( Miss Sasha's reassurance, a gentle understanding of the turmoil within, offers Petunia a much-needed comfort. It's a silent permission to process her thoughts, to grapple with the choices before her without immediate pressure. Petunia, still wrestling with her conflicted emotions, nods again, a hint of gratitude in the gesture. )

Petunia: "Thanks. I... I think I need to be alone for a bit. Just... I need to sort this out in my head first."

Miss Sasha: "See you later." ( she left )

( Miss Sasha, sensing the need for solitude, respectfully withdraws, leaving Petunia alone in the quiet of the window-side. Alone with her thoughts, she stares at the night sky, lost in a storm of emotions. With Miss Sasha's departure, the silence takes over again, a quiet backdrop to Petunia's inner turmoil as she grapples with her new reality, the echoes of her nightmare and Miss Sasha's advice still ringing in her ears. )

Chapter 17: The breeze before Survival

Summary:

17th chapter where we have a calm moment before the serious part.

Chapter Text

( Tomorrow morning ) Mister Demi: "Hey, Miss Sasha. You seem a little nervous today. Is there something wrong ?"

( Mister Demi's observation, his keen eye picking up on Miss Sasha's subtle tension, is spot-on. It's early morning, the orphanage slowly coming to life as the sun begins to rise. )

( Miss Sasha, her usual composed composure slightly ruffled, turns to the music professor, her expression a mix of tension and a forced nonchalance. )

Miss Sasha: "Ah, Mister Demi. Good morning. It's just..it's nothing to worry about."

Mister Demi: "Really ?"

( Miss Sasha, taken slightly off guard by Mister Demi's skepticism, keeps up her facade of nonchalance, but it's clear his perceptiveness sees through her. After a brief pause, she responds, her voice a mix of reassurance and defensiveness. )

Miss Sasha: "Yes, really. Just a bit of... stress, that's all. It's nothing to be concerned about, seriously."

Mister Demi: "If you say so but.... You know that if a student doesn't feel well or anything, we have to know."

( Mister Demi's reminder, a gentle yet firm statement about caring for their students, hits a nerve. Miss Sasha's shoulders stiffen slightly, the truth in his words striking a chord with her. )

( She nods, her forced nonchalance cracking a bit, revealing a hint of stress beneath. )

Miss Sasha: "I know. It's part of our responsibility. And I do... care about the children. It's just... sometimes things are a bit complex, you know?"

( From his side with Engel, Claire, Bubble, Lana and Abbie, Pedro follow Zip )

Engel: "So, Zip, you have a little brother named Chip at the kindergarten area ? You didn't tell us that."

( Zip, walking alongside the others, pauses at the question, her easy-going demeanor shifting into something more guarded. The mention of her younger brother, Chip, is like a trigger, and she responds with a cautious, slightly defensive tone. )

Zip: "Chip, yeah... Yeah, he's my little brother. I don't really talk about him much, but he's there. In the kindergarten area."

???: "Hewwo."

( They then look down and saw Zip's little brother, Chip, who managed to exit the kindergarted area. Chip has shoulder-length white hair. For attire, he wears a white cloak with a zipper at the top. He also wears a large fish accessory on the back of his head. )

( The group, following Zip, is startled by the tiny voice from below, their attention turning downwards to find Chip, Zip's little brother, standing there, a stark contrast to his big sister's easy-going charm. Zip, her eyes widening at the sight of her brother outside the kindergarten area, speaks quickly but in a slightly scolding tone. )

Zip: "Chip! You're supposed to be in the kindergarten area. What are you doing out here?"

( Chip, unperturbed by Zip's scolding, looks up at his older sister with large, innocent eyes. His voice is high-pitched and cheerful, his hand holding a small toy airplane. )

Chip: "I wanted to see you, big brother. I made a plane!"

( Zip, the tough facade slipping slightly, softens at her little brother's innocent excitement, a mix of irritation and affection clear in her expression. )

Zip: "You escaped just to show me a toy plane?"

( Chip, completely nonchalant about his escape, nods enthusiastically, the airplane in his hand held aloft as if to emphasize his point. )

( Zip sighs, a mixture of frustration and fondness evident in his reaction. )

Zip: "You're a handful, you know that, Chip? You can't just escape the kindergarten area like that just to show off your plane."

( Chip's cheerful demeanor remains unfazed, his focus solely on showing off his toy to his sister. He bounces on the balls of his feet, excitement radiating off him, clearly unbothered by Zip's scolding. )

( Zip, her initial irritation slowly giving way to resignation, can't help but be reluctantly charmed by her brother's single-minded determination to play showing off his plane. )

"Fine, fine. Let me see the plane, you little troublemaker."

( Immediately excited that his sister is taking an interest, Chip eagerly holds up the toy airplane, a grin spreading across his face. The toy is clearly handmade, perhaps a craft project Chip worked on in the kindergarten area. )

( Zip, unable to hold back a slight smile, tries to feign irritation, but it's clear she's charmed by his little brother's enthusiasm. She takes the plane and examines it with a mix of sarcasm and genuine affection. )

Zip: "So this is the plane you escaped just to show me, huh? It's... pretty cool, Chip."

( Chip then waves at Pedro when she saw him )

( Lost in the exchange between Zip and Chip, Pedro is suddenly the focus of the younger kid's attention. His eyes meet Chip's, and in his innocent, childish way, he waves at you. His wave is carefree, as if not a word of the conversation about rules and escaping is registering in his mind. Zip, catching the interaction, looks between the two, her expression a mix of warning and begrudging acceptance. )

Zip: "Great... He's gonna want attention from you too now."

Pedro: "So,... Chip... Want something from me ?"

( At your question, Chip's attention immediately shifts from his toy to him, his eyes lighting up. His innocent enthusiasm is infectious as he nods eagerly in response. )

( Zip, realizing her little brother's focus has shifted to Pedro entirely, lets out a sigh, a mix of resignation and affectionate irritation. )

Zip: "Yeah... he's like a little energy ball. Now that he's noticed you, he's gonna want attention. Have fun."

( From Miss Sasha's side, she was looking for Chip in the kindergarten area )

( Meanwhile, back in the kindergarten area, Miss Sasha, in the midst of her usual morning routine, is searching the area for Chip. The realization of his absence hits her suddenly, a pang of concern in her eyes. She'd been watching over the kids, counting heads, and the realization that Chip wasn't in his usual spot is setting off alarm bells. Her voice, laced with worry, calls out, echoing through the empty kindergarten area. )

Miss Sasha: "Chip? Chip, where are you?"

( It doesn't help when the other toddlers are making noises )

( As Miss Sasha, her search for Chip becoming frantic, is greeted by the noise of the other toddlers in the area. The children are up and about, playing and making noise, adding to the background chaos. Miss Sasha, feeling the panic rise, calls out again, her voice slightly louder, trying to cut through the noise. )

Miss Sasha: "Chip! Where are you, little one? You can't just wander off like this!"

( She then goes out of the kindergarten area as she found Pedro playing with Chip who is on his paper plane )

Pedro: "Oh, hey, Miss Sasha."

( Miss Sasha, having exited the crowded kindergarten area, is suddenly met with a surprising sight - Pedro's there, playing with Chip and his paper airplane. The relief is evident in her eyes as she sees her missing student is safe and sound, albeit not where he's supposed to be. )

( She walks over, the worry lines on her face relaxing a tad, and addresses him with a mix of relief and mild scolding. )

Miss Sasha: "Thank goodness. There you are. And you're... playing with Chip?"

( Zip then explains how her little brother arrived there )

( Before Miss Sasha can even fully address the situation, Zip, realizing the need for an explanation, chimes in, filling in the details of how her little brother ended up outside the kindergarten area. Zip, with the resigned air of an older sibling used to her little brother's escapades, explains. )

Zip: "Chip, being his little troublemaker self, escaped the kindergarten area and decided to follow me out here. Found him just a moment ago, showing off his airplane."

( Miss Sasha's eyes follow Zip as she speaks, a hint of relief in her expression at her promise to keep her updated. Turning back to Chip, she can't help but be amused at his cheerful antics. )

Miss Sasha: ( to Chip while chuckling) "Look at you, little explorer. You almost gave me a good scare there, but now you're making paper planes with new friends. You better stay in the kindergarten area from now on, okay?'

Pedro: "And also, for some reason, he want attention from me"

( As the conversation drifts towards Chip's tendency to seek attention, Miss Sasha can't help but raise an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and amusement on her face. )

Miss Sasha: ( chuckling) "That sounds like Chip alright. He's like a little attention magnet, that one. And he seems to have taken a liking to you, hmm?"

Pedro: "Yeah..."

( Miss Sasha, her observation affirmed by his agreement, smiles slightly, the corners of her lips turning upwards. )

Miss Sasha: ( with a hint of knowingness ) "Well, it seems you've been chosen as Chip's favorite attention giver, then. Just be prepared for a clingy little shadow following you everywhere now."

( She then grabs Chip )

( Miss Sasha, taking charge of the situation, reaches out and gently scoops Chip up into her arms. The little troublemaker lets out a soft squeal, clearly not too happy about being held still. )

Miss Sasha: ( chuckling) "No more adventures alone for you, young man. You're staying where I can keep an eye on you."

Chip: "Can I see Pedro later ?"

( Chip, still in Miss Sasha's arms, turns his attention to you, his young voice filled with the innocent question. The pout on his face is almost comical, a clear pout begging for more time with you. )

( Miss Sasha, her amusement evident at Chip's obvious attachment, looks down at him, then at you, then back at Chip. )

Miss Sasha ( with a light-hearted sigh): "Now, now, Chip, you have to stay here and behave, remember? You can play with Pedro later."

Chip: "Okay".

( As Chip seems to accept the answer, Miss Sasha lets out a soft chuckle, shaking her head faintly at the little guy's single-mindfulness. )

Miss Sasha: ( affectionately) "That's a good boy. Now, be a good boy and stay here and play nicely with your friends, alright? You'll see Pedro again later. For now, stay put."

Claire: "Well, Zip... I can't imagine how it will be for you as his old sister."

( Zip, standing next to Claire, gives a sigh, her expression a mixture of resignation, affection, and a hint of weariness. )

Zip: ( groaning jokingly ) "You have no idea. He's like a little whirlwind, always getting into trouble or demanding attention. But... he's my little brother. I love the little troublemaker, even if he does drive me up a wall sometimes."

( We then hear Miss Sasha running after Chip took a fish from the kitchen of the kindergarten area, emphazing his love for fishes as food )

( The peaceful moment is suddenly shattered as Miss Sasha suddenly starts running after Chip, who has somehow escaped her grasp once again. This time, it quickly becomes clear what is drawing Chip's attention - the kitchen area. Miss Sasha's voice echoes through the room, filled with exasperated concern. )

Miss Sasha: "Chip, no, come back! You know you can't just-"

Lana: "Looks like Chip found the love of his life."

( Zip, witnessing the scene unfolding before her, can't help but snort, her sense of humor taking the situation in an amusing direction. )

Zip: ( chuckling) Looks like it. Seems like fish has officially stolen his heart.

( Miss Sasha, still chasing after Chip in a state of exasperated concern, calls out as she runs. )

Miss Sasha: "Chip! You are not eating raw fish! Get back here!"

Chapter 18: Survival part 1

Summary:

18th chapter where survival begins.

Chapter Text

( During this time, after Mister Demi's class, he sees that Petunia seems to have complications to get in terms with her new form as an anthropomorphic bunny )

( Mister Demi, after his class has ended, notices Petunia, standing nearby, her expression betraying signs of inner turmoil. He picks up on her struggle almost immediately, and his sharp eyes register every small detail that indicates her difficulties. Mister Demi's usual playful demeanor softens as he approaches Petunia, a look of concern and understanding in his eyes. Without any preamble, he speaks, his voice gentle yet firm. )

Mister Demi: "Petunia. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

( Petunia, pulled from her thoughts by Mister Demi's voice, turns to look at him in surprise. She quickly masks her inner struggle, putting up a facade of composure as best as she can. )

Petunia: ( trying to sound casual ) "Uh, sure. What's up, Mister Demi?"

Mister Demi: "You seemed distant during my class. Care to tell me why ?"

( Petunia, put on the spot by Mister Demi's astute observation, falters for a moment. Her facade starts to falter under the weight of her conflicting emotions. Her voice, trying to mask her inner turmoil, wobbles slightly when she responds. )

Petunia: ( avoiding eye contact ) "I... I'm fine, really. I just... I've had a lot on my mind lately, that's all."

Mister Demi: "It's still because of your new form ? Miss Bloomie shamelessly told me and my colleagues that she made those experiments on you, Bubble, Cubbie, Skell and in some parts, RIley."

( Petunia's breath hitches as Mister Demi brings up the subject of the experiments. The mention of Miss Bloomie's actions sends a pang of anger through her, but there's also a sense of helplessness. )

Petunia: ( her voice slightly strained ) "Yeah... I guess you could say that's part of it. It's not easy, feeling like your body's been... changed against your will. The others are dealing better, but it's... not that simple for me."

Mister Demi: "I imagine...You missed your old self..."

( Petunia nods, the truth of his words hitting home. The longing for her former self, the one she was before this transformation, is a constant ache within her. The idea of going back to how things were feels like an impossible dream. )

Petunia: ( a hint of sadness in her voice ) "Yeah... I do. I miss it, a lot. I look in the mirror, and it's like I don't recognize myself anymore."

Mister Demi: "Your feeling is understandable, Petunia, but don't let that prevent you to be carried away from your studies or even your life. It's hard, sure, but it's not an impossible task."

( Petunia listens to Mister Demi's words, her expression a mix of pain and resolve. She knows he's right, that she can't allow herself to be paralyzed by her circumstances. But the struggle in her heart is real. )

Petunia: ( after a moment of silence ) "I know... I know I have to try. I'm tired of feeling sorry for myself. But... it feels so damn difficult some days. A part of me just wishes I could go back to being... normal."

Mister Demi: "If only...."

( Petunia can't help but sigh, the wish echoing her own emotions. The longing to turn back time, to undo the experiment that has upended her life... It's a wish so many share. )

Petunia: ( her voice laced with a hint of bitterness ) "If only... If only I could turn back time. But life doesn't work like that, does it? We have to deal with what reality throws at us. I just wish it didn't have to feel so damn harsh."

Miss Demi: "Makes it the best of it. I'm sure this new form gave you new possibilities. Maybe it just wants you to discover them at their full extent. You'll be never sure if you didn't try."

( The hint of wisdom in Mister Demi's words resonates with Petunia. The idea that her new form might hold hidden possibilities, new opportunities... It's a perspective she hadn't considered. She's been so focused on the negative aspects of her transformation that the notion of hidden potentials feels foreign. )

Petunia: ( a note of contemplation in her voice ) "You... you think so? That there might be something positive I just haven't seen yet? You think this form could be... an opportunity, not just a curse?"

Mister Demi: "Perhaps. You may had seen some of those new abilities from this new form, no ?"

( Petunia's mind begins to race, her thoughts spinning to recall any hints or signs of abilities that might come with her transformation. There have been subtle changes, hints of heightened senses, a sharper awareness than she had before. )

Petunia: ( her voice laced with curiosity ) "Now that you mention it... There have been some things. Like my hearing's become sharper, my eyes seem a lot more... alert. And I've felt more... agile, almost."

Mister Demi: "Then if you can learn those abilities to their full extent, maybe you'll see all the good aspects of this new form but yet, again, It's up to you."

( Petunia nods, the spark of hope starting to ignite within her. The idea that she could learn to control, to master her new abilities, is a tantalizing prospect. )

Petunia: ( a glimmer of determination in her eyes ) "You're right. Maybe I've been so focused on what I've lost that I've missed the potential for... growth. Maybe, just maybe, there's a way to turn this into something positive, if I'm willing to try."

Mister Demi: "I hope you will."

( Petunia nods once more, the fire of resilience starting to burn brighter within her. The conversation with Mister Demi has shifted her perspective, opening up a new path in her mind, a path that's filled with the possibility of growth and self-acceptance. )

Petunia: ( with a slight, but firmer determination ) "Me too. I... I'll try. I'm tired of feeling defeated. If there's a way to find a silver lining in this mess, I'm gonna find it."

( Suddenly a scream is heard ) Mister Demi: "Mmm ?"

( The sudden creaking noise jolts both Petunia and Mister Demi's attention, disrupting the moment of quiet contemplation. The unexpected sound raises eyebrows, the two turning their attention to the source of the noise. )

Petunia: ( raising an eyebrow ) "What was that...?"

( Mister Demi and Petunia go see what's going on and they saw a badly injured student, having on him a failed math test in his hand )

( As they rush towards the source of the noise, the sight that greets them is one of shock and worry. A student, clearly injured and in pain, is found, clutching a failed math test in one hand. The sight immediately sets off a wave of concern. )

Petunia: ( eyes widen in horror) "Oh my god..."

Mister Demi: ( alarmed ) "Who on earth...?! What happened here?"

Student: "It's..; It's Miss Circle.. When he receives his test, having a bad grade, she.. She literally try to kill him. We tried to prevent her but she was too relentless."

( The student's words send a chill down both Petunia's and Mister Demi's spines. The revelation that Miss Circle, the math teacher known for her strictness and harsh punishments, has allegedly tried to kill a student over a bad grade is beyond shocking. )

Petunia: ( horrified ) "Miss... Miss Circle did this? She tried to... to kill him?"

Student: "Someone has to do something before she really killed someone randomly."

( The student's plea for action only intensifies the urgency of the situation. The idea that Miss Circle could lash out violently and cause serious harm is a terrifying possibility. )

( Petunia is visibly shaken, her eyes darting between the injured student and the math test clenched in his hand. Mister Demi's expression is equally grave, his jaw clenched as he processes the information. Then another student arrives )

Student 2: ( carrying a badly injured student ) "Oh gosh, Mister Demi, you're here... It's about Miss Bloomie. She tried to punish my friend for his bad grade in her class by trying to kill him.."

( The new student's revelation adds a new layer to the unfolding crisis. Now not just Miss Circle, but another teacher, Miss Bloomie is being accused of attempting to cause harm to students over poor grades. )

( Petunia's already wide eyes widen even further, disbelief and fear etched across her face. Mister Demi, his tone serious and grave, addresses the new student. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice laced with shock ) "Miss Bloomie did what?!"

( later, Mister Demi and also Miss Sasha came to tell Miss Grace about what the students say and what happened )

( After the shocking revelations about Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie, Mister Demi, accompanied by the equally concerned Miss Sasha, finds himself reporting the disturbing incidents to Miss Grace. The atmosphere in the school is thick with tension. Mister Demi, his expression grave, explains the situation to Miss Grace. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice filled with a mix of anger and disbelief ) "Miss Grace, there's something you need to know. It's about two teachers... Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie. The students have come forward with some very serious accusations."

( Miss Grace, upon hearing Mister Demi's words, immediately becomes alert and focused, sensing the gravity of the situation. Her usual warm demeanor gives way to a stern expression, her eyes fixed on him. )

Miss Grace: ( with a serious tone ) "Go on. What are these accusations?"

( Mister Demi continues, his voice steady but filled with a hint of outrage, relaying the shocking allegations about Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie's actions. He spares no details, making it clear the accusations levied against the teachers are severe. )

Mister Demi: ( with a firm voice ) "The students have reported... Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie... apparently tried to seriously injure or even kill students due to poor grades in their classes."

( Miss Grace's expression becomes more intense as she listens to Mister Demi's recounting of the reports from students. The idea that teachers would try to cause physical harm over academic performance is both startling and deeply alarming. )

Miss Grace: ( her tone filled with a mix of disbelief and anger ) "That... that's unthinkable. You said these accusations came straight from the students themselves? They're certain of what they witnessed?"

( Mister Demi nods, his expression unwavering. He confirms that the reports are coming directly from the students themselves, their testimonies consistent and unwavering in the claims against Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice firm ) "Yes, Miss Grace. The students are certain. They've given similar accounts, and their descriptions are disturbingly detailed and consistent."

( Miss Grace's usually composed demeanor falters for a moment, the revelation hitting hard. She can barely believe that teachers at her school, teachers entrusted with the safety and well-being of students, could be capable of such harmful actions. )

Miss Grace: ( her tone laced with a mix of disappointment and anger) "I can scarcely believe it. If this is true, it's a huge breach of trust and responsibility. These teachers, responsible for shaping and teaching them, to have... attempted something like this..."

Mister Demi: "From Miss Circle, we had to except something like that due to the fact she's now quite crazy but Miss Bloomie... As much I have my grudges on her about her experiments, she would have been the last person to hurt a student without using them as a test subject."

( Mister Demi's observation adds another layer to the perplexing situation. Miss Circle's alleged actions, while shocking, might have been less unexpected due to her increasingly erratic behavior. However, Miss Bloomie, previously known for her experimentation rather than harm, is a different story. Mister Demi's words echo the same confusion shared by many. )

Miss Sasha: "Miss Emily is still doing her class.... Oh dear, what if Miss Circle or miss Bloomie gave her this twisted idea of an education ? We had to reach her class before there's a potentially messed up situation."

( The mention of Miss Emily's ongoing class sends a jolt of worry through Mister Demi and Miss Sasha. The idea that Miss Circle or Miss Bloomie could have influenced Miss Emily's approach to teaching is a troubling possibility. Mister Demi's voice takes on a sense of urgency. )

Mister Demi: ( alarmed ) "Miss Emily's class... you're right. We need to get there quickly before anything escalates."

( in Miss Emily's class, when Pedro is with Engel, Claire, Lana , Bubble and Abbie )

Pedro: "Hey, don't worry , Abbie. It's just one failed test among others."

( Abbie, still visibly upset over his failed test score, looks up at Engel, Claire, Lana, and Bubble with a mixture of frustration and self-doubt. The failure weighs heavily on his shoulders. )

Abbie: ( dejected ) "It's not just this one test, though. It's like I can never do well enough. What's the point of trying if I'm just gonna keep failing anyway?"

( Engel, Claire, Lana, and Bubble all exchange concerned looks. They see the disheartened look in Abbie's eyes. Engel is the first to speak up, his tone gentle yet earnest. )

Engel: ( reassuringly) "Hey, Abbie, don't say it like that. You can't just give up over one bad test score. Everyone has their off days."

( Miss Emily, however, when the students are occupied, was trembling as she hears in her head, the words of Miss Circle who told her that something bad will happened to her if she doesn't kill failed students )

( The whispers of Miss Circle's voice echo in Miss Emily's mind, the menacing promise of consequences lingering in the air. The words seem to coil around her like a serpent, whispering to her of the dire consequences if she doesn't follow through. Her hands begin to tremble slightly as she looks over at the engrossed students, the internal struggle clearly visible in her eyes. )

Claire: "Still, Abbie, you're sure you studied well for the test ?" ( Pedro and his friends didn't know that Miss Emily took a sharp pencil as she approached slowly at Abbie's direction )

( Abbie nods, a hint of sadness mixed with determination in his eyes. He can't deny that he had prepared as best as he could for the test. )

Abbie: ( nodding ) "Yeah, I'm sure. I studied for hours the night before. I thought I was prepared."

Bubble: "And what exactly happened during the test ?"

( Abbie lets out a sigh, recalling the memories of the test. He recalls how the questions felt much harder and trickier than he had anticipated. )

Abbie: ( a hint of frustration ) "During the test... it was like the questions were nothing like what we'd studied. They felt so much more difficult, and no matter how hard I tried to answer them correctly, I just kept getting things wrong."

( Miss Emily was coming close at Abbie while Lana was conforting him )

( Lana, trying to offer comfort, reassuringly pats Abbie on the back. As she does so, she remains completely oblivious to Miss Emily silently approaching Abbie from behind. )

Lana: ( reassuringly ) "Hey, don't worry about it. It was just a bad day, that's all. You'll do better next time."

( While Oliver, Edward and Zip were celebrating their good grades, they suddenly notice that Miss Emily was acting off, mostly this sharp pencil on her hand as she was approaching Abbie )

( Amongst the celebrating students, Oliver, Edward, and Zip, reveling in their successes, suddenly realize that something is amiss. Their attention is drawn to Miss Emily, her actions appearing somewhat off. Her grip on the sharp pencil she's holding only adds to the growing sense of unease. Oliver, being the observant one, speaks up, breaking the celebratory bubble. )

Oliver: ( an edge of worry in his voice ) "Guys, something's... off. Look at Miss Emily..."

Pedro: "What ?" ( Miss Emily tried to stab Abbie but Lana directly pushes him on the side )

( Lana, acting purely on instinct, reacts swiftly. She shoves Abbie out of the way, her actions saving his life as Miss Emily's sharp pencil narrowly misses him by mere inches. )

( Her push sends Abbie sprawling to the ground, but the potential harm has been averted, thanks to Lana's quick actions. Lana, however, now finds herself standing face-to-face with a clearly unstable Miss Emily. )

Claire: "Hey , Miss Emily, what's wrong with you ?"

( Engel and Claire chime in, both visibly startled by Miss Emily's sudden aggressive behavior. Engel's voice is tinged with confusion. )

Engel: ( genuinely concerned ) "Miss Emily, what's gotten into you? Why would you try to attack Abbie like that?"

( Claire's question mirrors Engel's concern, both of them baffled by the teacher's sudden shift in demeanor. )

( Miss Emily, faced with the questions of Engel and Claire, is silent for a moment. Her grip on the pencil remains tight, and a strange mix of emotions is visible in her eyes. The usually composed teacher now appears agitated, almost as if some hidden force was driving her actions. Miss Emily, her voice shaky but firm, finally responds, a hint of desperation lacing her words. )

Miss Emily: ( a strained tone ) "You... you don't understand. I had to... it was the only way, the only choice..."

( Pedro turns to his friends, even at Oliver, Edward and Zip ) Pedro: "What ?"

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip, having witnessed the scene unfold, exchange confused and worried glances. The entire class is now in a state of bewilderment and concern due to Miss Emily's strange actions and words. )

( Oliver's voice, a mixture of confusion and worry, breaks the silence. )

Oliver: ( his eyes filled with concern ) "She's... she's not making sense."

( Edward, standing next to him, adds his own thoughts, echoing the overall confusion. )

Edward: ( bewildered ) "What is she talking about?"

Zip: "Miss Emily, what do you mean by " it was the only way, the only choice... " ?"

( Miss Emily, her eyes flitting between the students, seems to wrestle with an internal conflict. Her grip on the sharp pencil tightens as if clutching onto it gave her some semblance of control over her actions. Her voice, still unsteady, but holding an edge of resignation, responds to Zip's question. )

Miss Emily: ( her voice a whisper ) "It was... it was the only way to make things improve, to ensure no more students fail again."

( Her words hang heavily in the air, hinting at some unknown motive behind her actions. )

Bubble: "Killing Abbie ? Are you serious ?"

( Miss Emily's gaze locks with the horrified expressions of the students. The gravity of her actions seems to be slowly settling in for her, but a deep-seated determination still gleams in her eyes. )

( Miss Emily, the answer coming out as almost a whisper, reveals her chilling response. )

Miss Emily: ( a hint of guilt in her voice ) "Yes... if I wanted to make sure no student failed again, that they all understood their lessons... he had to be the example..."

( Abbie was backing away in panic, even if his back is bumping the wall )

( Abbie, his heart pounding in his chest, finds himself pressed against the wall, unable to retreat any further. The realization of the situation dawns on him, and the fear in his eyes is evident as he listens to Miss Emily's chilling words. Abbie, desperation in his voice, implores Miss Emily to reconsider her actions, his voice trembling with fear. )

Abbie: ( pleading voice ) "Miss Emily... this isn't right. You can't do this!"

( Miss Emily was approaching Abbie, while Pedro and his friends were trying to slow her down )

Bubble: "Oliver, Edward, Zip. A little help ?"

( Oliver, Edward, and Zip, witnessing the growing danger as Miss Emily moves closer to Abbie, waste no time in springing into action. They quickly move to intervene, each trying to slow Miss Emily down. )

( Zip, his voice firm, moves in front of Miss Emily. )

Zip: ( a determined voice ) "Miss Emily, please stop! This isn't the solution!"

( Miss Emily was going to stap Abbie but, as her hand grabbing the sharp pencil is trembling, she ended up dropping it and was sobbing in a state of distress and guilt. The sharp pencil clatters to the floor as Miss Emily's trembling hand loses its grip. Suddenly, her demeanor shifts from aggression to a state of emotional distress. She begins to sob, a mix of guilt and despair washing over her. The sight of her in this conflicted state creates a stark contrast to her previous actions. A tense silence fills the room as everyone watches Miss Emily, the gravity of the situation sinking in and leaving the students and friends equally shocked and relieved that she had stopped. )

( Mister Demi, Miss Sasha and Miss Grace entered the class as they saw what's going on. As the door suddenly opens, Mister Demi, Miss Grace, and Miss Sasha enter the room. The sight they witness is a startling one: Miss Emily sobbing uncontrollably while the students stand by in tense silence. Mister Demi is the first to react, his eyes wide with shock as he takes in the scene before him. Miss Sasha and Miss Grace share a look of bewilderment and concern. The atmosphere in the room is heavy with a mix of confusion and relief now that the potentially dangerous situation has seemingly subsided. Miss Grace, the authority figure in the situation, steps forward, her voice firm and calm. She takes in the sight of Miss Emily, now sobbing and visibly distressed, and the concerned faces of the students. Miss Grace, her eyes fixed on Miss Emily, asks the question that hangs in the air. )

Miss Grace: ( her voice steady ) "What on earth is going on here?"

( Pedro then answer ) Pedro: "We don't know. Abbie just had a bad grade in Miss Emily's class and..." ( Engel then continues )

( Engel, standing close to Abbie, chimes in to further explain the situation. His tone is calm but tinged with a hint of worry. )

Engel: ( a worried tone ) "Abbie had a bad grade in Miss Emily's class, and suddenly... she just snapped. She tried to... to hurt him with a sharp pencil."

( Claire's contribution to the explanation adds another layer to the narrative. She details the students' attempts to halt Miss Emily's actions and the sense of relief they feel now that she has stopped. )

Claire: ( a shaky voice ) "Yeah, we tried to stop her, but she was so fixated on hurting Abbie. Thank goodness she... she stopped."

Miss Sasha: "Miss Emily, you never acted like that. Why on Earth suddenly, you would do it ?"

( Miss Sasha's stern question cuts through the tense atmosphere, putting Miss Emily on the spot. Her query challenges the teacher's behavior, demanding an explanation for her sudden and uncharacteristic actions. )

( Miss Emily, still in a state of turmoil, struggles to form coherent words. Her voice is weak and strained. )

Miss Emily: ( a choked voice) "I... I just wanted them to learn, to understand. But the bad grades... they... they keep coming. I thought... I thought I had no choice..."

Mister Demi: "Who told you killing a failed student was good idea ? You know very well you couldnt."

( Mister Demi's question, direct in its confrontation, pins Miss Emily on the spot. The teacher, still wracked by guilt and distress, struggles to find words to defend her actions. )

( Miss Emily, her voice choked and barely audible, responds in a defeated tone. )

Miss Emily: ( a broken voice) "I... I thought... I thought if I made an example... it would... it would make the others understand, make them fear failing."

( Mister Hyde then arrives with Ruby, Robby, Skell, Lizzy, Petunia, Riley and Cubbie )

Mister Hyde: "What's going on ? We heard a commotion from here with the addition of other students saying that Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie injured badly other students."

( The sudden entrance of Mister Hyde, followed by Ruby, Robby, Skell, Lizzy, Petunia, Riley, and Cubbie, adds a new layer of surprise to the already tense situation. The mention of Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie's alleged assaults on other students only deepens the sense of chaos and confusion. Mister Hyde's question, filled with concern, prompts everyone to turn their attention to him. The air is thick with tension as the group awaits an explanation. )

Miss Grace: "From Pedro and his friends, Miss Emily almost stabbed Abbie with a sharp pencil until she stopped. We tried to know why and how did she had this idea."

( The revelation from Miss Grace provides a clear picture of the incident that unfolded. The knowledge that Miss Emily had almost stabbed Abbie with a sharp pencil in a fit of rage is shocking, but it is the question of her motivation that leaves the group baffled. The eyes of the teachers and students settle on Miss Emily, awaiting her explanation. The air is filled with tension and a mix of disbelief and concern as they seek to understand the reasoning behind her actions. )

Miss Emily: "Oh.... Abbie, everyone.... I'm... So sorry.... I don't even know why I would do something like this.... She... She told me that if I didn't do it.... She.... She'll....." ( sob )

( Miss Emily's words, choked with remorse and anguish, reveal an unsettling revelation - someone had influenced her actions. Her voice breaks as she grapples with the admission of guilt alongside a clear sense of helplessness. )

( Her tears flow as she tries to form the words, the weight of her confession palpable in the air. )

Miss Emily: ( tears streaming down her face) "I... I didn't want to... I... She said, she said if I didn't do it... She'd... she'd..." ( her voice breaks off into sobs )

( Miss Sasha go conforting her )

( Miss Sasha, seeing Miss Emily's state of distress, moves forward to provide comfort. Her touch is gentle, her voice soft and compassionate. )

Miss Sasha: ( a soothing tone) "Shh, it's okay, Miss Emily. It's okay. We're here."

( She gently wraps her arms around Miss Emily, trying to provide some measure of solace in this moment of emotional turmoil. The other teachers and students watch, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. )

( suddenly, Miss Bloomie's voice is heard on the speakers )

Miss Bloomie: "This is just pathetic. Even when Miss Circle made her intentions clear, Miss Emily is incapable of getting rid of at least one failed student."

( Mister Demi then became upset when hears Miss Bloomie )

( The sudden blare of the speakers, followed by Miss Bloomie's voice, jolts everyone in the room. The cold, taunting tone of her words adds an element of malevolence to the already tense atmosphere. Mister Demi's usually composed demeanor falters for a moment, and a flash of anger flickers in his eyes as he hears the message. The mention of Miss Circle's name further deepens his concern, and his mind is visibly working to understand the full picture of the situation. )

Chapter 19: Survival part 2

Summary:

19th chapter when survival begins.

Chapter Text

( The sharpness in Mister Demi's voice is evident as he responds to Miss Bloomie's message through the intercom. The mention of Miss Circle and the threat of the school's reputation being tarnished further agitates him. )

Mister Demi: ( an indignant tone) "Miss Bloomie, this is an outrage! Are you and Miss Circle actually trying to ruin the school's reputation with your actions? Do you have any concept of what you're doing? Are you out of your mind ?"

Miss Bloomie: "After what this place did to my best friend, Victoria Circlemoon aka Miss Circle ? Trust me, this place would be better buried under ground. You may have get over it but, just like Miss Circle, I don't. Getting rid of Miss Scissors and putting Miss Grace as the principal was the first step of our plan, knowing that dear Miss Grace was always too soft to discover anything by herself."

( Miss Bloomie's response, filled with malice and resentment, echoes through the intercom. The bitterness in her voice is palpable as she speaks about her and Miss Circle's intentions to bring down the school. Her revelation about her and Miss Circle's plan, starting with the removal of Miss Scissors and installing Miss Grace as principal, reveals the depths of their intentions. The mention of Miss Grace's perceived softness only adds fuel to the fire, intensifying the tension in the room. )

Miss Bloomie: "And of course, Pedro, his friends, the three rats ( Oliver, Edward and Zip ) an co. had to make our plan a hard time." ( she then activates the lockdown mode of the school )

( The sudden lockdown announcement, initiated by Miss Bloomie from the intercom, sends a wave of shock and panic through the room. The lockdown mode activating locks down the school, confining everyone inside and increasing the sense of danger and uncertainty. )

( The mention of Pedro, his friends, Oliver, Edward, and Zip being identified by Miss Bloomie further adds to the chaos. The situation has taken a dangerous turn with the lockdown in place, creating a sense of urgency and vulnerability among the teachers and students. )

Mister Demi: "You won't get away with this, Miss Bloomie. You and Miss Circle !"

( Mister Demi's voice drips with determination and resolve as he addresses Miss Bloomie's actions. The gravity of the situation is evident in his tone, and his words serve as a declaration of opposition to their sinister plans. )

Mister Demi: ( a firm voice ) "Miss Bloomie, mark my words. You and Miss Circle won't succeed with your scheme. This school and its students are under our protection. You have crossed a line, and we will not stand idly by."

Miss Bloomie: "If that so ? Try to stop me as a group if you wish but the other students and the toddlers would be next in Miss Circle's victims list." ( she then cuts the call )

( The call with Miss Bloomie abruptly ends, leaving a chilling silence in its wake. The threat she issued, hinting at the potential danger for the other students and toddlers in the school, hangs heavily in the air. )

( Mister Demi's expression hardens, the full weight of the situation settling on him. The mention of Miss Circle's involvement only compounds the sense of urgency and responsibility. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice laced with determination) "We're running out of time. We have to stop Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie before it's too late."

Miss Sasha: "I'll go put the toddlers in safety. i'll join you quickly."

( Miss Sasha, ever the protective figure, steps forward, offering to safeguard the toddlers and ensure their safety. Her commitment to their well-being is evident in her voice and actions. )

( Mister Demi nods, acknowledging her plan. )

Mister Demi: ( a firm but grateful tone) "Very well, Miss Sasha. We'll handle the situation with Miss Circle. Ensure the toddlers are safe, and then join us as soon as you can."

Miss Grace: "Mister Hyde, go send the other students in the library and barricade it until the situation is solved."

( Mister Hyde, ever reliable and ready to take action, nods in acknowledgment of Miss Grace's instructions. His expression is focused and resolute, ready to carry out the task at hand. )

Mister Hyde: ( a firm voice ) "Understood, Miss Grace. I'll see to it that the other students are safely ushered to the library and the area is secured. I'll make sure they're well-protected until the situation is under control."

( When Miss Sasha and Mister Hyde go doing what they have to do, Petunia uses her bunny instincts by smelling the smells, just like Cubbie does with his cat instincts )

Petunia: "I've smell a scent. One thing for sure, Miss Circle arrived in Miss Emily's classroom if the latter was influenced by her. "

( Petunia's bunny instincts kick in, her senses picking up on a distinctive scent in the room. Her revelation that she smells Miss Circle's presence in Miss Emily's classroom suggests a strong connection between the two teachers. )

Petunia: ( her voice laced with certainty) "It's Miss Circle's scent, alright. She was here, in this room. And judging by what's happening with Miss Emily, I'd say she most likely influenced her."

( Pedro turns to Claire, Engel, Abbie, Lana and Bubble )

Pedro: "Okay, guys and gals, now it's personnal. We won't let those two crazy teachers ruining the only school and home we have."

( Claire, Engel, Abbie, Lana, and Bubble nod in unison, their expressions a mix of determination and resolve. Their unity and loyalty to the school, their only home, is evident in their demeanor. )

( Claire, her tone firm and resolute, speaks up, echoing their shared sentiments. )

Claire: ( her voice filled with conviction) "Damn straight. We won't let Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie get away with this. This school is all we've got, and we won't let them wreck it. We're in this together."

( Lana, with a fierce light in her eyes, adds her own pledge to the cause. )

Lana: ( her voice tinged with anger) "You're damn right. We're not backing down. We'll do whatever it takes to protect this school and stop those crazy teachers."

( Engel's voice joins the chorus of determination, her voice steady and strong.. )

Engel: ( a nod of resolve) "Count me in. We'll stand our ground and defend our school against Miss Circle and Miss Bloomie. They won't tear this place apart while we're around."

( Bubble, her bubbly demeanor momentarily overshadowed by a steely resolution, speaks her piece. )

Bubble: ( her voice surprisingly serious) "We'll show those two that we're stronger than they think. We're not just some kids they can mess with. We're a team, and we're gonna take them on together."

( Abbie, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by a fierce protective spirit, adds his agreement. )

Abbie: ( his voice filled with determination) "You bet we will. Those teachers may have underestimated us, but they have no idea what we're capable when we unite. We'll fight for our school and show them who's in charge here."

( From mIss Sasha's side, she reached the kindergarten area as Chip and the other toddlers are confused )

( Miss Sasha enters the kindergarten area, finding the toddlers - especially Chip - looking confused and a bit frightened by the unexpected lockdown. Their innocent eyes reflect their uncertainty in the unexpected situation. Miss Sasha, her expression softening, approaches the toddlers, her voice gentle and reassuring. )

Miss Sasha: ( her voice calm and comforting) "Hey there, kids. Don't worry, everything's gonna be alright. We're just going to take a little precaution to keep everyone safe, okay?"

( The toddlers, including the curious Chip, listen attentively to Miss Sasha's calming words. While there's still a hint of confusion in their eyes, her kind demeanor and reassuring tone manage to soothe some of their nerves. They look up at Miss Sasha, trusting in her presence and her promise of safety. )

( One of the toddlers, their voice small and timid, asks a question )

Toddler: "Safe from what?"

( Miss Sasha's expression softens even further at the question from one of the toddlers. She understands their genuine worry and decides to offer a simple yet honest explanation. )

Miss Sasha: ( a gentle smile ) "From anything that could make you scared or hurt. We just want to make sure you're protected and safe, so that's why we're taking extra precautions."

( She crouches down to their level, maintaining her calm demeanor, and gently ruffles Chip's hair. )

Miss Sasha: ( a soft reassurance ) "Does that make sense, sweetie?"

( The toddlers, particularly Chip who enjoys the gentle gesture of having his hair ruffled, listen intently to Miss Sasha's explanation. Her kindness and the soothing tone in her voice begin to put their minds at ease. )

( They nod understandingly, the fear in their eyes diminishing a bit. Despite their young age, they seem to grasp the basic concept of staying safe and being protected. )

( One of the other toddlers pipes up )

Toddler: "You'll keep us safe, Miss Sasha?"

( Miss Sasha's heartstrings are tugged by the innocent trust and vulnerability in the toddler's question. She smiles, her eyes softening with a maternal warmth. )

Miss Sasha: ( a gentle nod ) "Of course, sweetie. I promise, I'll do everything I can to keep you all safe. I won't let anything bad happen to you."

( She gently pats the head of the toddler who asked the question, offering a silent assurance of her commitment to protecting them. )

( During this time, Mister Hyde is guiding the other students into the safety of his library. Under Mister Hyde's watchful eye, the other students follow him into the library, their footsteps quick and orderly. They trust Mister Hyde's leadership and direction, seeking refuge in the familiar surroundings of the library. The students settle down within the library, some finding solace in the quiet corners, while others cluster together in small groups, their faces betraying a mix of worry and confusion. Some of them exchange whispers, speculating about the situation at hand. Mister Hyde's commanding presence and calm demeanor instantly command the attention of the library's occupants. He turns to face the students, his voice solemn yet steady. )

Mister Hyde: ( his voice firm) "Listen closely, everyone. The situation has become quite serious, and I need your cooperation. For your safety and ours, you must stay here within the library walls until further notice."

( He scans the faces of the students, his gaze sweeping across the room, ensuring each one understands the gravity of the situation. )

( From Pedro's side with his friends )

Pedro: "Mister Demi, Miss Emily. You're sure you want to confront Miss Bloomie and Miss Circle by yourselves ?"

( Mister Demi and Miss Emily exchange a brief, firm glance, their expressions resolute. They both nod simultaneously, determined to take on the challenge before them. )

Mister Demi: ( his voice steady) "Yes, we're sure. We can't let Miss Bloomie and Miss Circle continue their destructive actions without stopping them. We have the experience to handle this situation."

( Miss Emily chimes in, her voice equally resolute. )

Miss Emily: ( a determined nod ) "Exactly. We can't just sit back and let them cause more harm. We have to act now to prevent further damage."

( Both Mister Demi and Miss Emily stand tall, their resolve unwavering. They are aware of the danger they're walking into, but the responsibility to protect the school and its students drives them forward. )

Claire: "You sure you don't need back up ?"

( Mister Demi and Miss Emily exchange another look, considering Claire's offer. They take a moment to contemplate the potential benefit of reinforcements. )

Mister Demi: ( a contemplative moment ) "You raise a fair point, Claire. Backup would be beneficial. However, we don't want to put anyone else in unnecessary danger."

( Miss Emily nods in agreement, a flicker of concern still visible in her eyes. She turns to Claire and the others, her voice firm but grateful, )

Miss Emily: ( a sincere tone ) "Thank you for offering, but it's best if we handle this ourselves."

Chapter 20: Survival part 3

Summary:

20th chapter when they continue survivng.

Chapter Text

( As they saw them leave )

Pedro: "Uuurgh... Guys, if only we could help them but by doing it.... We'll disobey again..."

( The group stands there after Mister Demi and Miss Emily leave, a mix of worry and frustration on their faces. The desire to assist and support their teachers is strong, but the awareness of the possible consequences of disobeying yet again settles in. )

( Claire's expression tightens as she speaks up. )

Claire: ( a frustrated sigh ) "Damn it... I know, I hate feeling helpless. I want to do something, but... But we can't risk getting into trouble again."

Abbie: "Uh... Did someone saw Miss Grace ? She didn't came back since then."

( Abbie's question hangs in the air, raising a valid point. The group realizes the absence of Miss Grace, and a sense of worry begins to sink in. )

( Claire's eyes dart around, a hint of concern in her gaze. )

Claire: ( her tone worried now ) "Damn it... you're right, Abbie. Where is Miss Grace? She was supposed to come back after getting the toddlers to safety."

Engel: "Technically, It's Miss Sasha that went for the toddlers. For Miss Grace, I hope her too doesn't go in unnecessary harm either."

( Engel's words cause a momentary pause among the group, realizing the difference in the tasks assigned to both Miss Sasha and Miss Grace. )

( Claire nods in agreement, adding to the growing worry. )

Claire: ( a concerned tone ) "You're right, Engel. It was Miss Sasha who went for the toddlers... So where the hell is Miss Grace? I hope she's okay."

Bubble: "Because if Miss Circle or Miss Bloomie got her, it's the entire school that will be in complete chaos."

( Bubble's words echo the dire thought that crosses their minds. The possibility of Miss Circle or Miss Bloomie getting ahold of Miss Grace would be a major blow. The mention of the entire school falling into chaos intensifies the feeling of unease. )

( Claire's eyes narrow with determination, her voice tinged with a note of anger. )

Claire: ( a clenched jaw ) "Damn it... We'd be in a real mess if either Miss Circle or Miss Bloomie got their hands on Miss Grace..."

Lana: "And Mister Hyde isn't known to be a fighter so.... What should we do ?"

( Lana's question highlights the stark reality. Mister Hyde, while reliable, is known for his academic and organizational skills, not for his combat abilities. The group finds themselves in a difficult situation, with the odds stacked against them. )

( Claire's expression tightens as she contemplates the options. )

Claire: ( a hint of frustration ) "Damn it, you have a point. Mister Hyde isn't exactly our first choice as a fighter... What the hell can we do now?"

( Suddenly, the intercom of the room we are is activated as Miss Bloomie is tempting us )

Miss Bloomie: "Look at you, kids. Little lambs who don't know what to do. Too afraid of the consequences of your disobedience because you decided to be too curious."

( The sudden activation of the intercom startles the group, and Miss Bloomie's voice echoes through the room, taunting them with a mix of arrogance and threat. )

( Miss Bloomie's words linger in the air, her tone dripping with a condescending tone. )

Miss Bloomie: ( a mocking tone ) "Oh, look at you all, standing there like lost little lambs. Too scared to make a move because you know you messed up."

( The group's expressions harden, the taunt from Miss Bloomie's voice igniting a flicker of anger. Claire's hands ball into fists, her eyes narrowing. )

Claire: ( a defiant tone ) "Oh, shut up, Miss Bloomie! You don't get to talk about consequences when you and Miss Circle are causing all this mess!"

Miss Bloomie: "You, little kids, were my unexpected bait. Your stuborness and curiosity puts you in trouble which facilitated the advancement of my and Miss Circle's plan."

( Miss Bloomie's taunting words hit home, and the realization of being unwitting pawns in their plans sinks in. Their curiosity and determination to uncover the truth have had unintended consequences, aiding the progression of the sinister plan of Miss Bloomie and Miss Circle. )

( Claire's voice drips with a mix of anger and frustration. )

Claire: ( a clenched jaw ) "You... you used us as bait! All this time, we've just been pawns in your twisted game!"

( Engel, anger and shock etched on his face, chimes in with his own reaction. )

Engel: ( a mix of disbelief and anger ) You... you used us as tools for your plan, knowing damn well we were curious! Is that the kind of person you are, Miss Bloomie? Using kids as bait for your selfish goals?!

Abbie: "You...; Monster...."

( The simple yet impactful word, "monster" falls from Abbie's lips, spoken with a mix of anger and disappointment. The room seems to hold its breath as the weight of the label settles in. )

( Miss Bloomie's voice, slightly taken aback by Abbie's word, comes through the intercom. )

Miss Bloomie: ( a hint of irritation in her voice ) "Oh, how cute. The little mouse dares to call me a monster?"

( Pedro hears like something is crawling on the vents )

Pedro: "Uh ? Guys, You hear that ?"

( The sudden, faint noise of something crawling in the vents catches the group's attention, causing them to tense up. Claire's ears perk up, and her gaze darts around the room. )

Claire: ( a wary tone ) " What the... ? It's like something's... crawling in the vents."

Miss Bloomie: "Those little rats right there were known to be quite lethal. Let's see if you'll be ready to stop them in time before they took the life of the symbol of innocence."

Lana: ( gasps ) "Oh no, the kindergarten area !"

( The realization of the situation sinks in as Lana's gasp pierces the air. Panic and worry wash over the group as they realize that the kindergarteners, symbols of innocence, are in danger. )

Claire: ( a rushed tone ) "The toddlers! They're in the kindergarten area! Those... things are gonna get to them!"

Pedro: "We have to warn Miss Sasha in the kindergarten area before those things reach her and the toddlers !"

( The group's determination kicks in as they realize the urgent need to reach Miss Sasha and the toddlers before the creatures in the vents reach them. Time is of the essence. )

Claire: ( a sense of urgency in her voice ) "You're right! Miss Sasha and the toddlers need warning! We have to reach them before those things in the vents do!"

( They then move as Oliver, Edward and Zip spot us )

( As the group starts making their way towards the kindergarten area, they come across Oliver, Edward, and Zip, who spot them moving hastily. Oliver's eyes narrow as he recognizes the concerned expressions on their faces. )

Oliver: ( a curious tone ) "Hey, where are you all heading in a rush?"

Pedro: "Well, Miss Bloomie are sending deadly rats in the vent at the direction of the kindergarten area." ( Zip stopped as she knew that her little brother, Chip , is in that area )

( Zip's demeanor changes as she processes the information. The realization that her younger brother, Chip, is in danger in the kindergarten area, sends a jolt of worry through her. )

Zip: ( a mix of concern and anger ) "Wait, what?! Those rats are headed for the kindergarten area?! And... and Chip is there!"

Engel: "Then no time to waste, let's go !"

( Engel's firm words drive a sense of urgency into the group, emphasizing the need for speed. They all nod in agreement, the gravity of the situation sinking in. )

Claire: ( a determined expression ) "You're right! Every second counts! We have to reach the kindergarten area before it's too late!"

( Oliver, Edward and Zip then follow us to reach the kindergarten area )

( The group, together with Oliver, Edward, and Zip, moves quickly towards the kindergarten area, a sense of urgency driving their footsteps. The weight of the situation hangs heavy in the air, and each person is focused on reaching the toddlers and Miss Sasha in time. )

Chapter 21: Survival part 4

Summary:

21th chapter when the toddlers must be saved.

Chapter Text

( From Mister Demi's side, while Miss Emily went to confront Miss Circle, he goes to confront Miss Bloomie... Until he saw Petunia, Cubbie, Skell, Riley with Ruby just behind him )

( As Mister Demi moves to confront Miss Bloomie, he comes across Petunia, Cubbie, Skell, and Riley, followed closely behind by Ruby. Mister Demi takes a moment to assess the situation, surprised by the unexpected presence of the other students. )

Mister Demi: ( a slightly caught off guard ) "Woah, what are you all doing here? Shouldn't you be in the library?"

Cubbie: "We know but.... It's because of Miss Bloomie, excluding Ruby, that us and Bubble became how we are and..."

( Petunia jumps in to continue Cubbie's sentence, adding her understanding of the situation. )

Petunia: ( a mix of anger and concern ) "We know we were supposed to be in the library, but... but Miss Bloomie's actions changed everything. Everything that's happening now... it's all her doing."

Mister Demi: "I noticed that but still... You know you're heading towards danger ?"

( Mister Demi's question is met with a collective nod from the group. Cubbie, Skell, Petunia, and Riley acknowledge the risk they're taking by approaching Miss Bloomie. )

Cubbie: ( a determined expression ) "Yeah, we know the danger. But we can't just stand aside and do nothing while Miss Bloomie continues her cruel experiments."

Mister Demi: "Okay... But stay close to me."

( Petunia, Cubbie, Skell, and Riley nod, acknowledging Mister Demi's instructions. They understand the importance of staying close to him for their safety. )

Petunia: ( a nod of agreement ) "Don't worry, we'll stick close to you."

( After a while, they arrive to Miss Bloomie's lab )

( The group, following behind Mister Demi, finally reaches Miss Bloomie's lab. The room is filled with a mixture of science equipment and the eerie remnants of failed experiments. It appears like a mad scientist's lair, filled with questionable devices and beakers of various liquids. Mister Demi stops for a moment, assessing the surrounding area. He turns to the group, his voice lowered. )

Mister Demi: ( a hushed tone ) "Remember, be on your guards. Miss Bloomie isn't someone to underestimate..."

( Suddenly Miss Bloomie appeared as she took Cubbie as an hostage pretty quickly )

Miss Bloomie: "Don't move."

( The group's expressions turn tense as Miss Bloomie appears with surprising speed, holding Cubbie in a tight grip. The sudden hostage situation heightens the seriousness of the situation. )

Miss Bloomie: ( a smug tone ) "That's better. one move and this little one gets a very unpleasant surprise."

Mister Demi: "This is against any values as a teacher. You should never harm a student , even if they had bad grades."

( Miss Bloomie sneers at Mister Demi's remark, her smug expression intact. Her voice drips with a condescending tone. )

Miss Bloomie: ( a smirk ) "Oh, spare me your high morals, Demi. You teachers are so naive, holding on to those outdated notions. The world isn't so black and white."

Ruby: "And how is it logical to kill failed students in a school, a place where the role is to learn ?"

( Miss Bloomie's smirk only widens at Ruby's question. Her voice drips with a mix of arrogance and a sense of superiority. )

Miss Bloomie: ( a haughty tone ) "Oh, you naive little thing. You really don't understand, do you? Education isn't about coddling weaklings who can't keep up. It's about teaching them what they deserve!"

Cubbie: "Deserve what ? You're only hurting people... ( the box cutter arm slides close to his neck ) Gnnnn..."

( Miss Bloomie's expression tightens as Cubbie speaks, her voice dripping with frustration. )

Miss Bloomie: ( a harsh tone ) "Deserve what they deserve. They're not special. They don't deserve any pity or mercy! And if that means hurting them to get the message across, then so be it!"

( She presses the box cutter closer to Cubbie's neck, emphasizing her words. )

Mister Demi: "You won't win in your attempt of killing those students ! And you know very well that Miss Grace was assigned as a principal for reason ! She wouldn't let you and Miss Circle do this again !"

( From Miss Sasha's side, with Chip and the toddlers, they hear the rats sent by Miss Bloomie rushing in the vents )

( Miss Sasha and the toddlers are in the kindergarten area, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. The sound of scurrying rats in the vents fills their ears, a chilling reminder of Miss Bloomie's sinister plan. )

Chip: ( fear mixed with confusion ) "Miss Sasha... I think I hear something. It sounds like little creatures..."

Miss Sasha: ( eyes darting around ) "Hush, Chip ! The time isn't right for you to be noisy right now..."

( Suddenly, the vent entrance is shaking before it bursts and a little swarm of rats entered the kindergarten area )

( Miss Sasha and the toddlers' faces turn pale as the entrance of the vent bursts open. A swarm of small, dark rats flood into the area, their beady eyes fixed on the group. )

Chip: ( fear evident in his voice ) "Miss Sasha... what are those things ?"

Miss Sasha: ( a worried tone ) "Oh no... they're rats... a LOT of rats !"

( Pedro; his friends with Oliver, Edward and Zip entered the kindergarten area and armed with a fire extinguisher, they attack the rats )

( The sudden arrival of you, your friends, Oliver, Edward, and Zip catches Miss Sasha and the toddlers by surprise. The sight of the group armed with a fire extinguisher takes them aback for a moment. )

Miss Sasha: ( a mixture of surprise and relief ) "You guys... what are you doing here ?"

Chip: ( surprised ) "Woah, where the hell did you come from ?"

( As the group uses the fire extinguisher on the rats )

Abbie: "Uh... Those rats have been sent by Miss Bloomie to create as much casualties in this area."

( The group's explanation about the rats sent by Miss Bloomie sinks in as they use the fire extinguisher to repel the onslaught of rats. Miss Sasha's eyes widen in horror at the revelation. )

Miss Sasha: ( a disgusted and horrified tone ) "Miss Bloomie sent those... those rats ? To harm the children... What the hell is going through her mind..."

( Chip has like stars in his eyes as he saw Pedro helping his friends to save him, the toddlers and Miss Sasha from the rats )

( As the fire extinguisher continues to fend off the attacking rats, Chip's eyes sparkle in admiration as he observes Pedro and his friends in action. The sight of your efforts to protect them from the onslaught of rodents has captivated him, leaving him with a sense of awe. )

Chip ( awestruck ) Woah...

( The toddlers, now safe thanks to your quick actions, look at you with a mix of bewilderment and admiration. )

( As the rats are now drown by the content of the fire extinguisher, Pedro turn to his friends and also Oliver, Edward and Zip )

Pedro: "Threat neutralized from here."

( The room falls silent as all the rats are incapacitated by the fire extinguisher, and the immediate danger is neutralized. Pedro and his friends, along with Oliver, Edward, and Zip, take a moment to survey the scene, ensuring that the threat has been successfully repelled. )

Claire: ( a sigh of relief ) "That was a close call. Those rats were getting out of hand."

( Zip directly goes to her little brother, CHip, to see if he's okay )

( Zip, filled with concern for her little brother Chip, immediately rushes over to him as the threat subsides. She crouches down, examining him for any signs of injury or distress. )

Zip: ( with worry in her voice ) "Chip, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere ?"

( Chip, despite the fright he just experienced, manages a weak smile as Zip crouches down next to him. He shakes his head weakly, indicating that he seems unscathed. )

Chip: ( a small but shaky voice ) "N-No, I'm okay. Just... a bit scared. But I'm not hurt or anything."

Pedro: "Good things we arrived, Miss Sasha. From what Miss Bloomie told us from the intercom, those rats's bites were fatal. If we didn't..."

( Miss Sasha's expression softens as she listens to your words, her gaze filled with gratitude. The realization of how close the situation was to becoming fatal sends a chill down her spine. )

Miss Sasha: ( a mix of relief and horror ) "Oh my... If you hadn't arrived in time, those poor toddlers..."

( She shudders slightly at the thought before turning back towards you all. )

Miss Sasha: ( grateful tone ) "Thank goodness we were able to get here when we did. You guys are true heroes today!"

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